Cell Cycle and Cell Divisions

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of the cell cycle, DNA structure, replication, division types, and regulatory checkpoints based on the lecture transcript.

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)

The genetic material of living cells that stores information in the sequences of its nucleotides and codes for biological traits like eye color and height.

Histones

Positively charged proteins that aid in the packaging of DNA.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins that is dispersed inside the intact cell nucleus during interphase.

Chromosome

A highly condensed, coiled, and compact structure of DNA formed from chromatin.

Autosomes

The 22 pairs of chromosomes in humans that are not involved in determining sex.

Sex Chromosomes

The pair of chromosomes that determine an individual's sex; males have XY and females have XX.

Chromatid

Each half of a highly condensed chromosome.

Cell Cycle

The life cycle of an individual cell that describes how it grows, develops, and reproduces.

Interphase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell is metabolically active, performs specialized functions, and prepares for division.

Gap 1 ($G_1$) phase

The first stage of interphase involving growth of cytoplasm, doubling of organelles, and the highest rate of protein synthesis.

S phase (Synthesis)

The stage of interphase where the cell synthesizes a copy of its DNA through DNA replication.

DNA replication

The process where an existing DNA molecule produces another copy of itself.

DNA polymerase

The enzyme responsible for joining nucleotides together to form a complete polynucleotide chain during replication.

Semi-conservative method

A replication method where each new DNA strand retains half of the original DNA material.

Gap 2 ($G_2$) phase

The stage of interphase characterized by continued growth and the production of materials necessary for cell division.

Mitosis

The process of division of the nucleus and genetic material that occurs in somatic cells or non-sex cells.

Meiosis

The process of division of the nucleus and genetic material that occurs in sex cells or gametes.

Somatic cells

Refers to non-sex cells in multicellular organisms that undergo mitosis.

Gametes

Refers to sex cells that undergo the process of meiosis.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cell's cytoplasm and other components following the distribution of genetic material.

Cleavage furrow

The structure that marks the beginning of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell plate

The structure that marks the beginning of cytokinesis in plant cells.

$G_1$-to-S checkpoint

A cell cycle checkpoint that checks if the cell is large enough, has necessary energy reserves, and if there is any DNA damage.

$G_2$-to-M checkpoint

A cell cycle checkpoint that ensures DNA is properly replicated and environmental conditions are favorable for division.

Metaphase (M) checkpoint

A cell cycle checkpoint that verifies if the mitotic spindles are properly attached to the chromosomes.