Biology

Unit 3 Vocabulary

Unit 3 Section 1

Asexual reproduction

Type of reproduction where one parent produces one or more identical offspring without the fusion of gametes.

Sexual reproduction

Pattern of reproduction that involves the production and subsequent fusion of haploid sex cells.

Gene

Segment of DNA that controls the protein production and the cell cycle.

Cell Division

A parent cell dividing into two identical daughter cells. Mitosis.

ChromosomeCell structures that carry the genetic

material that is copied and passed from generation to generation of cells.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid. A nucleic acid. Master copy of an organisms information code that contains the instructions for proteins and enzymes.

DNA replication

Process in which chromosomal DNA is copied before mitosis or meiosis.

Gamete

Male and female sex cells, sperm and eggs.

Mitosis

Period of cell division in which two daughter cells are formed, each containing a complete set of chromosomes.

Meiosis

Type of cell division where one body cell produces four gametes. Each containing half the number of chromosomes.

Sex cell

Gametes.

Cell cycleContinuous sequence of growth [interphase]

and division [mitosis] in a cell.

Interphase

Cell growth phase, where a cell increases in size. Duplicates chromosomes prior to division.

Prophase

First and longest phase of mitosis. Visible chromosomes.

Metaphase

Second phase of mitosis. Chromosomes move to the equator.

Anaphase

Third phase of mitosis. Centromeres split and chromatid pairs are pulled apart.

Cytokinesis

Process during mitosis or meiosis in which the cells cytoplasm divides into new cells.

Telophase

Final phase of mitosis during which new cells prepare for their own independent existence.

Unit 3 Section 2

Biology Vocabulary

Cell differentiation

A process in which a generic cell develops into a specific type of cell.

Zygote

Diploid cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg.

Binary fissionAsexual reproductive process in which one

cell divides into two separate identical cells.

Cell Plate

Occurs in plant cells at the end of mitosis. Separates the newly created daughter cells.

HaploidCell with one of each kind of chromosmes.

Diploid

Cells with two of each kind of chromosomes.

Centriole

In animal cells, a pair of small cylindrical structures composed of microtubules that duplicate during interphase.

Centromere

Structure that joins two sister chromatids of a chromosome.

Spindle Fibers

Fibers that form between the centriolesduring prophase and shorten during anaphase.

OrganGroup of two or more tissues organized to

perform complex activities within an organism.

Organ system

Multiple organs that work together to perform a specific life function.

Embryo

Earliest stage of growth and development of both plants and animals.

Tissue

Group of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division that may be caused by environmental factor and or changes in enzyme production in the cell cycle.

FertilizationFusion of male and female gametes.