Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Apoptosis

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell cycles, stages of mitosis, checkpoints, cellular components, cancer, and apoptotic pathways.

Cell Cycle

A series of events that takes place in a cell as it grows and divides.

Mitosis

The second stage of the eukaryotic cell cycle, which involves the complete separation of sister chromatids and nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm and formation of two daughter cells.

Interphase

The first stage of the eukaryotic cell cycle which involves cellular growth and duplication of chromosomes. Composed of three phases: G1, S, and G2.

G1 Stage

The first gap, or growth phase, of the cell cycle, consisting of the portion of interphase before DNA synthesis begins.

G0 Stage

A nondividing state occupied by cells that have left the cell cycle, sometimes reversibly.

S Stage

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle; the portion of interphase during which DNA is replicated.

G2 Stage

The second gap, or growth phase, of the cell cycle, consisting of the portion of interphase after DNA synthesis occurs.

Nucleus

Large, membrane-bounded organelle that contains the genetic material in the form of multiple linear DNA molecules organized into structures called chromosomes.

Chromosome

A structure composed of DNA tightly wrapped around histone proteins. Carries the genetic information (genes) of a cell.

Binary Fission

The method of cell replication used by prokaryotes.

Eukaryote

Any cell or organism that possesses a clearly defined nucleus including membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryote

Simple cells that do not have a true nucleus or other cell organelles.

Microtubules

Microscopic hollow tubes made of the proteins alpha and beta tubulin that are part of a cell’s cytoskeleton.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, chromosomes become visible when stained a viewed under a microscope; Mitotic spindle begins to form.

Metaphase

The 2nd stage of mitosis, in which the spindle is complete and the chromosomes, attached to microtubules at their kinetochores, are all aligned at the metaphase plate.

Sister chromatids

The two identical halves of a chromosome.

Spindle fibres

Structures which aid in the movement of chromosomes to either pole of the cell during mitosis and meiosis.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures composed of protein which form the spindle fibres during mitosis and meiosis.

Centromere

The structure which holds sister chromatids together.

Cell Plate

A component involved in the formation of a cell wall.

Cleavage Furrow

An indentation of the plasma membrane during cytokinesis.

Cytoplasm

Thick solution comprised of water, salts, and proteins.

G1 Checkpoint

The point at which the cell becomes committed to entering the cell cycle.

G2 Checkpoint

Prevents cells from entering mitosis when DNA is damaged, providing an opportunity for repair and stopping the proliferation of damaged cells.

M Checkpoint

The cell examines whether all the sister chromatids are correctly attached to the spindle microtubules; also known as the spindle checkpoint.

Kinetochore

Provides the major attachment point for the spindle microtubules during mitotic or meiotic division to pull the chromosomes apart.

Psoriasis

A chronic inflammatory skin disease with a strong genetic predisposition and autoimmune pathogenic traits.

Cancer

A disease caused by the uncontrolled replication of cells with the ability to migrate to other parts of the body.

p53 protein

A protein that is found inside the nucleus of cells and plays a key role in controlling cell division and cell death.

Spindle

Fanlike microtubule structure that helps separate the chromosomes during mitosis.

Apoptosis

The controlled death of cells in the body. Also known as programmed cell death.

Asexual Reproduction

A method of reproduction that doesn’t involved the fusion of gametes and creates genetically identical cells.

Mitochondrial Pathway

Apoptosis pathway that is initiated by the detection of internal cellular damage. (Also called the intrinsic pathway)

Death Receptor Pathway

Apoptosis pathway that is initiated by the reception of extracellular death signalling molecules. (Also called the extrinsic pathway)

Caspases

Enzymes that cleave/cut specific intracellular proteins.

Blebbing

The bulging of the plasma membrane to form vesicles called apoptotic bodies.

Apoptotic bodies

Vesicles containing cell contents that are released from a dying cell and engulfed by phagocytes.

Phagocytes

Immune cells that engulf and destroy harmful organisms and foreign material.

Metastasis

The movement of tumor cells from it’s primary site to distant parts of the body.