Cell Reproduction Terminology

gene

A discrete unit of hereditary information encoded in DNA.

genome

Total set of a cell's DNA.

chromosome

Thread-like association of DNA and proteins in a cell's nucleus.

binary fission

bacterial mode of asexual reproduction.

chromatin

DNA-protein complex that coils to form the chromosome.

centromere

Constricted central region of a chromosome where microtubules attach.

chromatids

The two parts of a replicated chromosome. Each is called a sister chromatid.

mitosis

Eukaryotic cell division in which chromosome count is maintained.

centriole

Two cylinders of 9 triplet pairs each of microtubules involved with movement of chromosomes in animal division.

cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm following mitosis.

Cell cycle

Four step process of cell division.