GCD 3022 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Spindle Apparatus, Sister Chromatids, Allosome
Document Summary
Chromosomes are structures that contain genetic material, which is dna. Prokaryotic cells are simple and lack cell compartmentalization, whereas eukaryotic cells contain a cell nucleus and other compartments. Chromosomes can be examined under the microscope. An organized representation of the chromosomes from a single cell is called a karyotype. In eukaryotic species, the chromosomes are found in sets. Eukaryotic cells are often diploid, which means that each type of chromosome occurs in a homologous pair. To divide, eukaryotic cells progress through a cell cycle. Prior to cell division, eukaryotic chromosomes are replicated to form sister chromatids. Chromosome sorting in eukaryotes is achieved via a spindle apparatus. A common way for eukaryotic cells to divide is by mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is divided into prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Another way for eukaryotic cells to divide is via meiosis, which produces four haploid cells. During prophase of meiosis i, homologs synapse and crossing over may occur.