This document provides an overview of key cell biology concepts including:
- Cells are the basic structural and functional units of life. DNA carries genetic information and exists in DNA or RNA forms. Chromosomes are condensed DNA that can be seen microscopically.
- The cell cycle consists of interphase and mitosis. Interphase includes gap phases G1 and G2 and DNA replication in S phase. Mitosis involves nuclear and cell division.
- Meiosis produces gametes through two cell divisions and reduces the chromosome number by half, increasing genetic variation between gametes. Mitosis produces identical daughter cells while meiosis forms genetically distinct gametes.