Cell Cycle Review

These flashcards cover essential concepts of the cell cycle, including phases, structures, and regulatory mechanisms.

What is the cell cycle?

The life of a cell from its formation until it divides.

What are sister chromatids?

Copies of a duplicated chromosome joined together at the centromere.

What is the function of the centromere?

It is the region on each sister chromatid where they are most closely attached.

What is a genome?

All of a cell’s genetic information (DNA).

What are homologous chromosomes?

Two chromosomes, one from each parent, that have the same length, centromere position, and carry genes controlling the same characteristics.

What are the phases of the cell cycle?

G1, S, G2, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

What occurs during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

The cell grows and carries out normal functions.

What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

DNA replication and chromosome duplication occur.

What is the role of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in the cell cycle?

They are enzymes that regulate key events in the cell cycle, becoming active only when specific cyclins are present.

What is the difference between diploid and haploid cells?

Diploid cells (2n) have two sets of chromosomes, while haploid cells (n) have one set.

What happens during apoptosis?

Programmed cell death that occurs when a cell has damage that cannot be repaired.

What is the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

They are control points that regulate the cell cycle by providing stop/go signals.

What is a malignant tumor?

A mass of cancerous cells that can leave the tumor site and spread elsewhere in the body.

What is contact inhibition?

A mechanism where cell surface receptors recognize contact with other cells, stopping the cell cycle.

What role do growth factors play in the cell cycle?

They are hormones that stimulate cell growth and initiate signal transduction pathways leading to progression through the cell cycle.