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Anatomy & Physiology: Cell Structure and Mitosis

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Terms in this set (17)

  • What is chromatin and how is it structurally organized?

    Chromatin is thread-like DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming a loose structure during interphase.

  • How does chromatin differ from chromosomes?

    Chromosomes are condensed, tightly packed chromatin visible during mitosis, containing DNA and protein.

  • When is DNA in the form of chromatin versus chromosomes?

    DNA is in the form of chromatin during interphase and in the form of chromosomes during anaphase of mitosis.

  • What happens during interphase in terms of DNA and cell activity?

    Cells carry out normal activities; DNA is in chromatin form. Centrioles and DNA replicate, preparing for mitosis.

  • Describe the early prophase stage of mitosis.

    Chromatin condenses into chromosomes, nucleoli disappear, centrosomes separate, and the early mitotic spindle forms.

  • What occurs during late prophase?

    The nuclear envelope breaks down, spindle fibers attach to chromosomes at kinetochores, and chromosomes begin moving.

  • What is the key event in metaphase?

    Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, and enzymes prepare to separate sister chromatids.

  • What happens during anaphase?

    Centromeres split, sister chromatids become individual chromosomes, and cytokinesis begins with a cleavage furrow.

  • Describe telophase in mitosis.

    Two nuclei form with identical chromosomes, mitosis ends, and the cell prepares to fully divide.

  • What is the role of centrosomes during mitosis?

    Centrosomes organize microtubules and assemble the mitotic spindle to separate chromosomes.

  • What function do spindle fibers serve in mitosis?

    Spindle fibers pull chromosomes apart to opposite poles of the cell during mitosis.

  • Which cell structure separates the cell contents from the environment?

    The cell membrane acts as a protective barrier separating cell contents from the surroundings.

  • Why are mitochondria called the 'powerhouses' of the cell?

    Mitochondria oxidize food molecules using enzymes to produce cellular energy in the form of ATP.

  • Which organelle contains genetic material necessary for cell reproduction?

    The nucleus contains DNA and controls cell reproduction.

  • What is the difference between rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum?

    The rough ER has ribosomes and transports proteins; the smooth ER synthesizes lipids and detoxifies drugs.

  • What are the three periods of interphase and their functions?

    G1: Centrioles begin replicating. S: DNA is replicated. G2: Final mitosis preparations and centriole replication complete.

  • When does cytokinesis begin during cell division?

    Cytokinesis begins in late anaphase and continues through telophase, physically dividing the cell.