Biology Chapter 7 - The Cell Cycle

The Cell Cycle

The repeated sequence of growth and division in eukaryotic cells.

Interphase

The longest stage of the cell cycle; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

Cell grows and carries out normal functions, preparing for DNA replication.

S Phase

DNA is replicated, creating two identical copies.

G2 Phase

Prepares for mitosis by producing proteins and microtubules.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus into two identical nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Chromatin

Loose, readable DNA present during interphase.

Chromosome

Supercoiled DNA present during mitosis.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of DNA connected by a centromere.

Centromere

The region where sister chromatids are connected.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers form.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the cell's equator (metaphase plate).

Anaphase

Sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles by spindle fibers.

Telophase

Chromosomes decondense, nuclear envelopes reform, and two nuclei form.

Cleavage Furrow

The structure in animal cells where the cell membrane pinches to divide.

Cell Plate

The structure in plant cells where a new cell wall forms during cytokinesis.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the progression of the cell cycle.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs)

Enzymes that bind to cyclins to control cell cycle checkpoints.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division due to malfunctioning cell cycle regulation.

Benign Tumor

A tumor that is encapsulated and does not spread.

Malignant Tumor

A dangerous tumor that spreads through the body (metastasis).

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death to remove damaged or unnecessary cells.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells that can differentiate into specialized cell types.

Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into most cell types.

Multipotent Stem Cells

Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Reprogrammed adult cells that act like embryonic stem cells, Skin cells can be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells; Pluripotent

Carcinogen

A substance that can cause cancer by damaging DNA.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.

G0 Phase

A resting phase in the cell cycle where cells do not divide (e.g., nerve cells).

Mitosis Checkpoint

Ensures sister chromatids separate correctly during mitosis.

DNA Synthesis Checkpoint

Ensures DNA replication is error-free during S and G2 phases.

Cell Growth Checkpoint

Ensures the cell is large enough to divide after G1.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Pluripotent; Blastocyst

Adult Stem Cells

These are found in mature body tissues (like bone marrow and fat cells), They are used to maintain and repair the same kind of tissue in which they are found; Multipotent

Perinatal Stem Cells

Stem cells found in the umbilical cord or amniotic fluid, Doctors can preserve these after birth to be used later in life by child!; Pluripotent