- DNA →RNA →proteins (structural proteins
and enzymes that catalyze reactions) →heredi-
tary characteristics. - A genetic disease is a “mistake” in the DNA,
which is copied by mRNA and results in a mal-
functioning protein.
Cell Division
- Mitosis—one cell with the diploid number of chro-
mosomes divides once to form two cells, each with
the diploid number of chromosomes (46 for
humans).
- DNA replication forms two sets of chromosomes
during interphase. - Stages of mitosis (see Fig. 3–5 and Table 3–4):
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm fol-
lowing telophase.
- Mitosis is essential for growth and for repair and
replacement of damaged cells. - Most adult nerve and muscle cells seem unable to
divide; their loss may involve permanent loss of
function.
- Meiosis—one cell with the diploid number of chro-
mosomes divides twice to form four cells, each with
the haploid number of chromosomes (23 for
humans).
- Oogenesis in the ovaries forms egg cells.
- Spermatogenesis in the testes forms sperm cells.
- Fertilization of an egg by a sperm restores the
diploid number in the fertilized egg.
Cells 65
REVIEW QUESTIONS
- State the functions of the organic molecules of
cell membranes: cholesterol, proteins, and phos-
pholipids. (p. 48) - Describe the function of each of these cell
organelles: mitochondria, lysosomes, Golgi appa-
ratus, ribosomes, proteasomes, and endoplasmic
reticulum. (p. 51) - Explain why the nucleus is the control center of
the cell. (p. 49) - What part of the cell membrane is necessary for
facilitated diffusion? Describe one way this
process is important within the body. (p. 54) - What provides the energy for filtration? Describe
one way this process is important within the body.
(p. 54) - What provides the energy for diffusion? Describe
one way this process is important within the body.
(p. 52) - What provides the energy for active transport?
Describe one way this process is important within
the body. (p. 54) - Define osmosis, and describe one way this process
is important within the body. (p. 52–53) - Explain the difference between hypertonic and
hypotonic, using human cells as a reference point.
(p. 53) - In what way are phagocytosis and pinocytosis sim-
ilar? Describe one way each process is important
within the body. (p. 56)
- How many chromosomes does a human cell have?
What are these chromosomes made of? (p. 56) - Name the stage of mitosis in which each of the
following takes place: (p. 63)
a. The two sets of chromosomes are pulled
toward opposite poles of the cell
b. The chromosomes become visible as short rods
c. A nuclear membrane re-forms around each
complete set of chromosomes
d. The pairs of chromatids line up along the
equator of the cell
e. The centrioles organize the spindle fibers
f. Cytokinesis takes place after this stage - Describe two specific ways mitosis is important
within the body. Explain why meiosis is impor-
tant. (pp. 60, 62) - Compare mitosis and meiosis in terms of: (pp.
60–62)
a. Number of divisions
b. Number of cells formed
c. Chromosome number of the cells formed - Explain the triplet code of DNA. Name the mol-
ecule that copies the triplet code of DNA. Name
the organelle that is the site of protein synthesis.
What other function does this organelle have in
protein formation? (pp. 56–58)