| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Atomic Number, Cell Division, Decomposers, Fermentation, Thermosphere |
The Periodic Table of the Elements categorizes elements primarily by the number of protons in their nucleus (atomic number) and secondarily by the characteristics they exhibit.
Cell division is the process by which cells replicate genetic material in the nucleus. Cell division consists of several phases:
| Phase | Major Process |
|---|---|
| interphase | chromosomes replicate into chromatids and the cell grows |
| prophase | chromatids pair up |
| metaphase | paired chromatids move to opposite sides of the cell |
| anaphase | cell elongates and nucleus begins to separate |
| telophase | separation of nucleus is complete resulting in two new nuclei |
| cytokinesis | cytoplasm and cell membranes complete their separation resulting in two separate cells |
Decomposers (saprotrophs) are organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the organic matter in the dead bodies of plants and animals into simple nutrients.
If no oxygen is present, cellular respiration is anaerobic and will result in fermentation where either lactic acid or alcohol is used instead of oxygen.
Temperatures again increase with altitude in the thermosphere which is the hottest (4,530 °F / 2,500 °C) atmospheric layer due to direct exposure to the Sun's radiation. However, the gas in this layer is highly diluted so even though the atoms of gas may be very high in temperature, there are too few of them to effectively transfer much heat.