| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Cell Division, Cytoplasm, Fats, Kuiper Belt, Veins |
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 |
The nucleus of a eukaryotic cell contains the genetic material of the cell and is surrounded by cytoplasm which contains many organelles. These include:
| Organelle | Function |
|---|---|
| ribosomes | produce proteins |
| mitochondria | produce energy |
| endoplasmic reticulum | helps synthesize proteins and fats |
| Golgi apparatus | prepare proteins for use |
| lysosomes | help the cell manage waste |
| centrosomes | guide cell reproduction |
Like carbohydrates, fats provide energy to the body. The difference is energy from fats tends to be longer burning as opposed to the quick fuel provided by carbohydrates. Fats come in three types, saturated (meats, shellfish, eggs, milk), monounsaturated (olives, almonds, avocados), and polyunsaturated (vegetable oils). Saturated fats can raise LDL ("bad") cholesterol while unsaturated fats can decrease it.
The Kuiper Belt is similar to the asteroid belt but much larger. Extending beyond the orbit of Neptune, it contains objects composed mostly of frozen methane, ammonia, and water. Most notably, the Kuiper Belt is home to Pluto, a dwarf planet that, until a 2006 reclassification, was considered the ninth planet of the solar system.
Veins carry blood back to the heart from the body. While arteries are thick-walled because they carry oxygenated blood at high pressure, veins are comparatively thin-walled as they carry low-pressure deoxygenated blood. Like the heart, veins contain valves to prevent blood backflow.