Unit 2: Mitosis (Cell Division) & Cell Differentiation

Mitosis

cell division that results in two identical daughter cells

Chromosome

Strands of DNA that are condensed and found in the nucleus of the cell.

Cell

the basic unit of structure and function in living things

Daughter cell

The cells that are produced as a result of mitosis. They are identical to each other, and also to the original parent cell.

Parent cell

The cell that divides into daughter cells during mitosis

Cell differentiation

a process where a stem cell becomes specialized for a specific function.

Gene

A section of DNA on a chromosome that creates a specific protein

Stem cell

Unspecialized cell that can develop into a specialized cell when certain genes are activated

Specialized cell

A cell that performs a specific function for an organism

Undifferentiated

Not having a specialized structure or function

Differentiated

Having a specialized structure and function

Activated gene

a gene (section of DNA) that is "turned on" in a cell

Deactivated gene

a gene (section of DNA) that is "turned off" in a cell