Terms
Cell cycle
-
A repeated process in which cells copy their contents and then divide into two.
Occurs in cells as a means of reproduction.
Diploid number
-
The total number of chromosomes present in a cell.
Gametes
-
Cells with the haploid number of chromosomes. Gametes are created out of germ cells. The sperm and eggs involved in sexual reproduction are gametes.
Germ cell
-
Cells that lead to the production of gametes. Produced by meiosis.
Haploid number
-
The number of unique chromosomes or homologous pairs in a cell. Half
the diploid number.
Homologous pair
-
Refers to two similar chromosomes in a diploid cell. One chromosome is
derived from the father gamete cell and the other from the mother gamete.
Meiosis
-
A type of cellular reproduction that results in the formation of four
haploid cells from one diploid cell. Contains two cellular divisions
that follow only one round of DNA
replication.
The type of reproduction that
produces germ cells. See the SparkNote on
meiosis
Mitosis
-
A type of cellular reproduction that results in the formation of two identical
diploid cells from one diploid cell. Contains one cellular division
following a round of DNA
replication.
The
type of reproduction that produces somatic cells.
See the SparkNote on
mitosis
Sister chromatid
-
Refers to the copy of a chromosomes that results from DNA
replication
and is still closely linked to its
original.
Somatic cell
-
Any plant or animal cell that is not a germ cell. The class of cell formed
during mitosis.
