Genetics for Nurses

2

Review of Cellular Division: Mitosis and Meiosis

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

• Introduction to Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell
• An Overview of the Cell Cycle
• The Mechanics of Cell Division
• Mitosis
• Meiosis

INTRODUCTION TO PROKARYOTIC AND EUKARYOTIC CELL

There are two basic types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. “Karyose” comes from a Greek word, which means “kernel,” as in a kernel of grain. In biology, we use this root word to refer to the nucleus of a cell. “Pro” means “before,” and “eu” means “true,” or “good.” Therefore, “Prokaryotic” means “before a nucleus,” and “eukaryotic” means “possessing a true nucleus.” Prokaryotic cells have no nuclei, while eukaryotic cells do have true nuclei. Despite their apparent differences, these two cell ...