Untitled Flashcards Set

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division into two daughter cells.

Limiting Factor of Cell Size

Key factors such as surface area to volume ratio that restrict the physical size of a cell.

Surface Area and Volume Relationship

As a cell increases in size, its volume grows faster than its surface area, leading to inefficiency in transport and metabolism.

Stages of the Cell Cycle

There are four main stages: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), G2 (Gap 2), and M (Mitosis).

Longest Phase of Cell Cycle

Interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle.

Stages of Interphase

Interphase consists of G1 phase (cell growth), S phase (DNA synthesis), and G2 phase (preparation for mitosis).

Chromosomes vs Chromatin vs Chromatids vs Sister Chromatids

Chromosomes are tightly coiled DNA during cell division, chromatin is relaxed DNA in interphase, chromatids are duplicated chromosomes, and sister chromatids are identical copies joined at the centromere.

Prokaryotic Division

Prokaryotes divide by binary fission, a simple form of asexual reproduction.

Mitosis

The process of cell division where one cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells.

Stages of Mitosis

Mitosis consists of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Prophase

The stage where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope breaks down.

Metaphase

The stage where chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate.

Anaphase

The stage where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The stage where the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and they begin to de-condense.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures that help organize spindle fibers during cell division.

Spindle Fibers

Protein structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Centromeres

The region on a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined.

Spindle Apparatus

The entire structure made up of spindle fibers, centrioles, and other proteins that assists in cell division.

Longest Phase of Mitosis

Prophase is considered the longest phase of mitosis.

Shortest Phase of Mitosis

Anaphase is usually the shortest phase of mitosis.

Cytokinesis

The process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis Mechanism in Animal Cells

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cleavage furrow.

Cytokinesis Mechanism in Plant Cells

In plant cells, cytokinesis occurs through the formation of a cell plate.

Cell Cycle Regulation

Cell cycle regulation is accomplished by various proteins, including cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

CDK (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase)

A protein that, when activated by cyclins, regulates the progression through the cell cycle.

Uncontrolled Cell Growth

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and division of cells.

Carcinogens

Substances or factors that can cause cancer by inducing mutations in DNA.

Factors Leading to Cancer

Factors include genetic mutations, lifestyle choices, environmental exposure, and infections.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in a regulated manner to maintain health, often in response to damage or stress.