CH 8 Cell Division: Chromatin vs Chromosomes, Diploid (2N) vs Haploid (N) Cells,
Somatic vs Germ Cells, Chromosome Structure (Chromatid, Centromere,
Kinetochore), Karyotyping, Homologous Chromosomes, Autosomes vs Sex
Chromosomes, Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis Stages (Prophase, Metaphase,
Anaphase, Telophase), Cytokinesis, Daughter Cell Genetic Identity, Meiosis
Overview (Reduction Division 2N → N), Meiosis I & II Stages, Synapsis, Tetrads,
Crossing Over, Independent Assortment, Anaphase I vs Anaphase II, Interkinesis,
Gametogenesis (Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis), Genetic Recombination,
Chromosome Number in Human Life Cycle, Comparison of Mitosis vs Meiosis,
Genetic Variation in Daughter Cells, Fertilization and Completion of Meiosis in
Eggs Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
General Concepts of Cell Division
DNA exists in the cell's nucleus either as:
Chromatin: diffuse, stringy, unwound, non-coiled DNA that is not visible under the microscope.
Chromosomes: condensed, highly coiled DNA that is visible under the microscope.
Each species has a characteristic number of chromosomes.
Humans have 23 different chromosomes, in almost all their cells, and there are two of each.
Thus we have a total of 46 chromosomes and are considered diploid (2N) organisms, having two
of each type.
Haploid
, defined as having one of each type of chromosome
Germ cell
Sex cells (sperm and egg). Also known as gametes
Somatic cell
remainder cells in the body that compose the tissues and organs other than the germ cells
Chromosome
Large, visible, rod-like, complex structure consisting of highly coiled DNA stabilized by histone
proteins.
Chromatin
Diffuse, stringy DNA
Centromere
The constricted area of a chromosome where the point of attachment to spindle fibers is
located.
Kinetochore
Somatic vs Germ Cells, Chromosome Structure (Chromatid, Centromere,
Kinetochore), Karyotyping, Homologous Chromosomes, Autosomes vs Sex
Chromosomes, Interphase (G1, S, G2), Mitosis Stages (Prophase, Metaphase,
Anaphase, Telophase), Cytokinesis, Daughter Cell Genetic Identity, Meiosis
Overview (Reduction Division 2N → N), Meiosis I & II Stages, Synapsis, Tetrads,
Crossing Over, Independent Assortment, Anaphase I vs Anaphase II, Interkinesis,
Gametogenesis (Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis), Genetic Recombination,
Chromosome Number in Human Life Cycle, Comparison of Mitosis vs Meiosis,
Genetic Variation in Daughter Cells, Fertilization and Completion of Meiosis in
Eggs Exam Questions Verified and Provided with Complete A+ Graded Rationales
Latest Updated 2026
General Concepts of Cell Division
DNA exists in the cell's nucleus either as:
Chromatin: diffuse, stringy, unwound, non-coiled DNA that is not visible under the microscope.
Chromosomes: condensed, highly coiled DNA that is visible under the microscope.
Each species has a characteristic number of chromosomes.
Humans have 23 different chromosomes, in almost all their cells, and there are two of each.
Thus we have a total of 46 chromosomes and are considered diploid (2N) organisms, having two
of each type.
Haploid
, defined as having one of each type of chromosome
Germ cell
Sex cells (sperm and egg). Also known as gametes
Somatic cell
remainder cells in the body that compose the tissues and organs other than the germ cells
Chromosome
Large, visible, rod-like, complex structure consisting of highly coiled DNA stabilized by histone
proteins.
Chromatin
Diffuse, stringy DNA
Centromere
The constricted area of a chromosome where the point of attachment to spindle fibers is
located.
Kinetochore
