Cell Cycle and Signaling Pathways Review

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts in cell cycle processes, signaling pathways, and associated mechanisms essential for understanding cell division and communication.

Prophase

The stage in cell division where chromosomes condense, centrosomes move apart, and the spindle begins forming.

Metaphase

The stage in cell division where chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate and the spindle is fully formed.

Anaphase

The stage where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Telophase

The stage where chromosomes arrive at the poles and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Cytokinesis

The process where the contractile ring divides the cytoplasm after mitosis.

Microtubules

Cytoskeletal components that form the mitotic spindle, attach to kinetochores, and help pull chromatids apart.

Cohesin

Proteins that hold sister chromatids together until they are cleaved in anaphase.

Anaphase-Promoting Complex/Cyclosome (APC/C)

The complex that triggers cohesin degradation, allowing the progression to anaphase.

Maturation-Promoting Factor (MPF)

A complex that regulates the transition from G2 phase to mitosis.

G1 Phase

The stage of the cell cycle characterized by cell growth before DNA replication.

S Phase

The stage of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated, leading to a 4N content.

G2 Phase

The stage where the cell prepares for mitosis, after DNA replication.

M Phase

The stage of the cell cycle that includes mitosis and cytokinesis.

p53 Protein

A DNA damage sensor that can induce repair or trigger apoptosis when activated.

RB Protein

A protein that inhibits E2F and controls the transition to S phase when phosphorylated.

Saturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with no double bonds, leading to tight packing and a rigid membrane.

Unsaturated Fatty Acids

Fatty acids with double bonds that create kinks, resulting in a more fluid membrane.

Endocytosis

The process by which the cell takes in substances by engulfing them.

Exocytosis

The process by which the cell secretes substances by vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane.

Glycolysis

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose into pyruvate, producing energy without oxygen.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of reactions that oxidizes acetyl-CoA to produce energy carriers, occurring in the mitochondria.

Hydrophobic

Referring to molecules that do not interact well with water; tend to fold inward in proteins.

Hydrophilic

Referring to molecules that can interact well with water; charged or polar.

Signal Transduction

The process by which a cell responds to signals in its environment, often involving receptors and second messengers.