GBBE Cancer and Cell Mitosis

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA, which carry genetic information.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Homologues

Chromosomes that have the same sequence of genes and structure, with one inherited from each parent.

Diploid

A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

Chromatid

One of the two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, connected by a centromere.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Autosomes

Chromosomes that are not sex chromosomes; they determine somatic traits.

Metacentric

A chromosome whose centromere is located at the center, resulting in two equal arms.

Acrocentric

A chromosome whose centromere is located far from the center, producing one long arm and one short arm.

Submetacentric

A chromosome with a centromere slightly off-center, resulting in one longer arm and one shorter arm.

Mitosis

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

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine the sex of an organism, typically X and Y in humans.

Cell cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which the cell is not dividing, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, in which chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, where chromosomes begin to de-condense and nuclear membranes reform.

Cytokinesis

The process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

G1 phase

The first gap phase of the cell cycle, where the cell grows and prepares for DNA synthesis.

S phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle, where DNA is replicated.

G2 phase

The second gap phase of the cell cycle, where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Haploid

A cell or organism having a single set of unpaired chromosomes.

p-short arm

The shorter arm of a chromosome, located above the centromere.

q-long arm

The longer arm of a chromosome, located below the centromere.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from one part of the body to another.

Hereditary

Genetic traits or disorders that are passed down from parents to offspring.

Nonpolyposis colon cancer

A type of colorectal cancer that occurs without the formation of polyps.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that protect cells from one step on the path to cancer; their loss can lead to cancer.

Polyps

Growths that can occur on the lining of the colon and may develop into cancer.

Caretaker genes

Genes that are involved in DNA repair and maintenance of genomic stability.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that can become oncogenes due to mutations.

Gatekeeper genes

Tumor suppressor genes that regulate cell division and prevent tumor formation.

Retinoblastoma

A rare eye cancer that occurs primarily in children and is often associated with genetic mutations.

Philadelphia chromosome

An abnormal chromosome produced by a translocation that is associated with certain types of leukemia.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

p53 gene

A gene that codes for a protein that regulates the cell cycle and acts as a tumor suppressor.

Carcinogen

Any substance that is directly involved in causing cancer.

APC gene

A tumor suppressor gene that helps control cell growth and division.

Monoclonal

Deriving from a single clone, usually referring to a population of cells that are genetically identical.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels, often associated with the growth of tumors.

Polyclonal

Deriving from multiple clones or populations of cells.

Benign

A term used to describe a tumor that is not cancerous and does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant

A term used to describe cancerous tumors that invade nearby tissues and can spread.

Mutagen

An agent that causes mutation in the DNA of organisms.