Vocabulary Review
Ch 8 – Cell
Reproduction
Structures in a
eukaryotic cell’s
nucleus that are made
up of DNA and
protein
Chromosome
Type of protein
molecule found in the
chromosomes of
eukaryotic cells, but
not prokaryotic cells
Histone
One of the two
strands of a
chromosome that
become visible during
meiosis or mitosis
Chromatid
The region of the
chromosome that
holds the two sister
chromatids together
during mitosis
Centromere
The material that makes
up both mitotic and
interphase chromosomes; a
complex of proteins and
DNA strands that are
loosely coiled such that
translation and
transcription can occur
Chromatin
One of the pair of
chromosomes that
determine the sex of
an individual
Sex Chromosome
Any chromosome that
is not a sex
chromosome
Autosome
Chromosomes that
have the same
sequence of genes,
that have the same
structure, and that
pair during meiosis
Homologous
Chromosome
A graphical display that
shows an individual’s
chromosomes arranged
in homologus pairs and
in order of diminishing
size
Karyotype
A cell that contains
two haploid sets of
chromosomes
Diploid
Describes a cell,
nucleus, or organism
that has only one set
of unpaired
chromosomes
Haploid
A form of asexual
reproduction in singlecelled organisms by
which one cell divides
into two cells of the
same size
Binary Fission
A process of cell
division that forms
two new nuclei, each
of which has the
same number of
chromosomes
Mitosis
Reproduction that does not
involve the union of
gametes and in which a
single parent produces
offspring that are
genetically identical to the
parent
Asexual
Reproduction
Process in cell division
during which the number
of chromosomes decreases
to half the original by two
divisions of the nucleus,
which results in production
of sex cells
Meiosis
A haploid
reproductive cell that
unites with another
haploid reproductive
cell to form a zygote
Gamete
Period between two
mitotic or meiotic
divisions during which
the cell grows, copies
its DNA, and
synthesizes proteins
Interphase
Division of the
cytoplasm of a cell;
follows the division of
the cell’s nucleus by
mitosis or meiosis
Cytokinesis
First stage of mitosis and
meiosis in cell division;
characterized by the
condensation of the
chromosomes and the
dissolution of the nuclear
envelope
Prophase
One of the microtubules
that extend across a
dividing eukaryotic cell;
assists in the movement
of chromosomes
Spindle fiber
One of the stages of
mitosis and meiosis,
during which all of the
chromosomes move to
the cell’s equator
Metaphase
Phase of mitosis and
meiosis in which the
chromosomes
separate
Anaphase
Final stage of mitosis
or meiosis, during
which a nuclear
membrane forms
around each set of
new chromosomes
Telophase
The precursor of a
new plant cell wall
that forms during cell
division and divides a
cell into two
Cell plate
The pairing of
homologous
chromosomes during
meiosis
Synapsis
The four chromatids in
a pair of homologous
chromosomes that come
together as a result of
synapsis during meiosis
Tetrad
The exchange of
genetic material
between homologous
chromosomes during
meiosis; can result in
genetic recombination
Crossing-over
The regrouping of
genes in an offspring
that results in a
genetic makeup that
is different from
that of the parents
Genetic
Recombination
The random
distribution of the
pairs of genes on
different
chromosomes to the
gametes
Independent
assortment
The process by which
male gametes form
Spermatogenesis
The production,
growth, and
maturation of an egg,
or ovum
Oogenesis
A short-lived product
of the formation of
gametes by meiosis
Polar body
Reproduction in which
gametes from two
parents unite
Sexual
reproduction