Cell Cycle, Growth, Death and Differentiation

Cell Cycle

The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and replication.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and duplicates its components.

M phase

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

Gap 1 (G1)

The first stage of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins for DNA replication.

Gap 0 (G0)

A temporary phase of the cell cycle with no growth or change.

S phase

The phase of interphase during which DNA is replicated.

Gap 2 (G2)

The second gap phase of interphase, during which the cell prepares for mitosis.

Mitosis

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

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane breaks down.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process in which the cytoplasm divides to form two daughter cells.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides to form two identical cells.

Regulating the Cell Cycle

The process by which the cell cycle is controlled to prevent improper division.

G1 checkpoint

A control mechanism that ensures the cell is of adequate size and has sufficient nutrients before DNA replication.

G2 checkpoint

A control mechanism that ensures chromosomes have been accurately replicated before mitosis.

M (metaphase) checkpoint

A control point that verifies chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle apparatus before anaphase.

Contact Inhibition

The process by which cells slow down or stop their division upon contact with neighboring cells.

Mitogens

Chemical signals that stimulate cell division when cells detect death or damage nearby.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that is systematically orchestrated by the cell.

Caspases

A family of enzymes that play essential roles in programmed cell death.

Extrinsic pathway

Apoptosis initiated by external signals binding to death receptors on the cell surface.

Intrinsic pathway

Apoptosis triggered by internal cellular damage, often linked to mitochondria's release of cytochrome c.

Necrosis

Uncontrolled cell death resulting from injury, leading to inflammation and damage to surrounding cells.

Cancer cells

Cells that grow uncontrollably, often due to genetic mutations and loss of normal regulatory mechanisms.

Tumour suppressor genes

Genes that prevent cancer by repairing DNA or inducing apoptosis when DNA is damaged.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that promote cell division; their overexpression can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

Benign Tumour

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant Tumour

A cancerous growth capable of invading nearby tissues and spreading throughout the body.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of differentiating into specialized cell types.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells present in early human development that can develop into any cell type.

Totipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type, including placental cells.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can develop into almost any cell type, found in the blastocyst inner cell mass.

Adult Stem Cells

Stem cells found in adult tissues that have a limited capacity to differentiate.

Multipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can turn into a limited range of cell types within a specific lineage.

Unipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can only differentiate into one specific cell type.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state.

Differentiation

The process where stem cells develop into specialized cells with specific functions.

Cell Cycle Arrest

A point in the cell cycle where the cell stops progressing, often for repair or when conditions are not favorable.

Checkpoint Proteins

Proteins that ensure the proper progression of the cell cycle by monitoring cell conditions.

Cancer Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Chloroplasts

Organelles involved in photosynthesis, found in plant cells.

Homeostasis

The ability of a cell or organism to maintain internal stability.

Growth Factors

Substances released by cells that stimulate cell division and growth.

Cytosol

The liquid component of the cytoplasm where cellular processes take place.

Nuclear Envelope

The double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells.

Centrioles

Cell structures involved in organizing the mitotic spindle during mitosis.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that make up chromosomes.

Cell Plate

Structure that forms in plant cells during cytokinesis, separating the daughter cells.

Apoptotic Bodies

Fragments of cells undergoing apoptosis that are engulfed by macrophages.