1. What is DNA? The genetic material located in the nucleus of the cell. It contains information needed for an organism to grow, maintain itself, and reproduce.

2. What is a chromosome? The physical structure in a cell that contains the cell’s genetic material. It is compacted DNA.

3. How many chromosomes do humans have? Every species has a specific number of chromosomes. For humans it is 46 total chromosomes or 23 pairs. Mom = 23 chromosomes Dad = 23 chromosomes Total = 46 chromosomes

4. What is the relationship between DNA and chromosomes? Nucleus Chromosomes DNA

5. Why do cells need to divide? Growth : Baby sea turtle growing into an adult sea turtle. Development : Cells develop into specific cells like skin cells. Repair : Broken bone in your body will repair itself.

6. How do cells divide? Cells have a life cycle called the cell cycle. The cell cycle is the development and division of a cell. There are 2 main phases:  Interphase  Mitosis

7. What does the Cell Cycle look like? Cell Cycle = Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

8. The cell spends 90% of its time in this phase. The cell is growing and is ready to divide. At the end, the nucleus contains 2 copies of DNA. What happens during Interphase?

9. The nuclear membrane disappears. Chromosomes become visible. Centrioles move to opposite sides of the nucleus and microtubules appear. The cell prepares to divide. What happens during Prophase?

10. What happens during Metaphase? Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

11. Chromatids of each chromosome pull apart and move to the opposite ends of the cell. What happens during Anaphase?

12. 2 new nuclear membranes form. In plants, the cell plate forms which will become the cell wall. Cell pinches and divides. What happens during Telophase?

13. What happens during Cytokinesis? Cell pinches and divides. Not a phase of mitosis, but must occur for cell division to be complete. Cyto- = cell and -Kinesis = movement