Unit 5: The Cell Cycle and DNA

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from Unit 5 about DNA, the cell cycle, and cell differentiation.

DNA

The molecule that stores and transmits genetic information.

Cell Cycle

The series of steps that results in new cells, including growth, DNA replication, and division.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle when the cell grows and prepares to divide.

Mitosis

The process where the DNA and nucleus are divided into two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The final step of the cell cycle where the cell divides into two distinct cells.

G1 Phase

The first phase of interphase where cells grow and synthesize new proteins.

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

The last stage of interphase where DNA is checked for errors before mitosis.

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where replicated DNA condenses into chromosomes.

Metaphase

The second phase of mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The third phase of mitosis where chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite ends.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where the nuclear membrane reforms and chromosomes untangle.

Cyclin

A regulatory protein that controls the progression of the cell cycle.

Checkpoint

A point in the cell cycle where the cell assesses whether to proceed with division.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell division.

Benign Tumor

A non-cancerous tumor that does not spread.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous tumor that invades and destroys surrounding healthy tissue.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become various specialized cells.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which cells specialize to perform different functions.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Asexual Reproduction

A type of reproduction that involves creating identical copies of an organism.

Gene Expression

The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product.

Environmental Factors

External elements that can influence cell differentiation and development.

DNA Replication

The process of copying DNA to produce two identical DNA molecules.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

Nitrogenous Bases

The components of DNA that pair to form the ladder-like rungs of the double helix.

Base Pairing Rules

The rules dictating how nitrogenous bases pair with each other (A with T, C with G).

Double Helix

The twisted ladder structure of DNA formed by two strands of nucleotides.

Helicase

An enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

Primase

An enzyme that synthesizes a short RNA primer before DNA replication.

DNA Polymerase

An enzyme involved in synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins DNA fragments together during replication.

Transcription

The process of making an RNA copy from a DNA template.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins based on the sequence of the mRNA.

Chromosomes

Structures that organize and carry DNA in the cell.

Chromatid

One of the two identical halves of a replicated chromosome.

Centromere

The region where two sister chromatids are joined together.

Somatic Cells

Any body cells that are not involved in reproduction.

Specialized Cells

Cells that have unique structures and functions suited to specific roles.

Gene Activation

The process by which certain genes are expressed in certain cells while others are silenced.

Epithelial Cells

Cells that line surfaces and cavities in the body.

Muscle Cells

Specialized cells that can contract to produce movement.

Red Blood Cells

Cells that transport oxygen in the bloodstream.

Plant Cells

Cells with rigid cell walls, involved in photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.

Cell Communication

The way cells communicate to coordinate functions and responses to stimuli.

Mitosis vs. Meiosis

Mitosis produces identical somatic cells, while meiosis produces gametes for sexual reproduction.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Cytotoxic Drugs

Chemotherapy drugs that kill rapidly dividing cells.

Combination Chemotherapy

Using multiple drugs together to enhance the treatment of cancer.

Genetic Code

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material translates into proteins.

Metabolism

The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The mechanisms that control the progression and timing of cell division.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic organisms that can be beneficial or harmful.

Growth and Repair

The processes by which cells increase in number and replace lost or damaged cells.

Cell Communication

The ways in which cells send and receive signals that direct their behavior.

Cell Shape and Function

The relationship between a cell's physical structure and its role in the organism.