| Questions | 5 |
| Topics | Blood Cells, Cell Division, Light Waves, Menstruation |
Blood is created in bone marrow and is made up of cells suspended in liquid plasma. Red blood cells carry oxygen, white blood cells fight infection, and platelets are cell fragments that allow blood to clot.
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 |
Unlike mechanical sound waves that require a physical medium for propagation, light waves are electromagnetic and can travel through empty space. Light waves are also much faster, travelling at 186,000 m/s vs. 343 m/s for sound waves.
If the ovum fails to become fertilized, the lining of the uterus sloughs off during menstruation. From puberty to menopause, this cycle of menstruation repeats monthly (except during pregnancy).