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.