Cell growth and reproduction

A biological macromolecule that encodes the genetic information for living organisms and is capable of self-replication and the synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA).

A sequence of nucleotides composing a segment of DNA that provides a blueprint for a specific hereditary trait

A single piece of coiled DNA and associated proteins found in linear forms in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and circular forms in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells; contains genes that encode traits.

A variation of a gene's nucleotide sequence (an alternative form of a gene).

The process in which genetic material is passed from parents to their offspring.

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication. The main phases of the cell cycle are interphase, nuclear division, and cytokinesis.

A two-phase nuclear division that results in the eventual production of gametes with half the normal number of chromosomes

A nuclear division resulting in the production of two somatic cells having the same genetic complement as the original cell

The process in which DNA makes a duplicate copy of itself

The longest-lasting phase of the cell cycle in which a cell performs the majority of its functions, such as preparing for nuclear division and cytokinesis

An exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during anaphase I of meiosis; contributes to the genetic variability in gametes and ultimately in offspring

The final phase of a cell cycle resulting in the division of the cytoplasm

A specialized cell (egg or sperm) used in sexual reproduction containing half the normal number of chromosomes of a somatic cell

Type of reproduction involving two different gametes (i.e., sperm and egg)

Type of reproduction that does not involve gametes; offspring are clones of parents