Chapter 9: Cell Cycle and Cellular Reproduction

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle, cellular reproduction, and related processes.

Cell Cycle

An ordered set of stages that take place between the time a eukaryotic cell divides and the time the resulting daughter cells also divide.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell performs its usual functions and duplicates its DNA.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells, which is followed by cytokinesis.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in a series of controlled steps to eliminate cells.

Cyclins

Signaling proteins that regulate the cell cycle by increasing or decreasing in concentration.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that promote the cell cycle and prevent apoptosis, analogous to a gas pedal in a car.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that inhibit the cell cycle and promote apoptosis, analogous to a brake pedal in a car.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the ability to divide and are crucial for growth and repair.

Metaphase Plate

The equatorial plane where centromeres of aligned chromosomes are located during metaphase.

G1 Stage

The stage in the cell cycle where the cell grows, increases organelle number, and carries out normal functions.