Cell Cycle and Cancer

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the cell cycle, cancer, and cell division.

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

Checkpoints

Control mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure proper division of the cell and DNA integrity.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that promote cell division; when mutated, they can become oncogenes, which can lead to cancer.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division and prevent tumor formation; mutations can lead to cancer.

Haploid

A cell with one complete set of chromosomes (n); gametes are haploid.

Diploid

A cell with two complete sets of chromosomes (2n); somatic cells are diploid.

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

The process of cell division that produces gametes with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.

Spindle fibers

Protein structures that pull apart chromosomes during cell division.

Non-disjunction

An error in cell division that results in cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Radiation therapy

A cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to kill or damage cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.

G phases

Phases in interphase (G1, G2) where the cell grows and prepares for DNA synthesis and division.

Genetic mutation

A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that can disrupt normal cell functions.