Cell Biology Review Flashcards

Flashcards summarizing key vocabulary and concepts related to cell biology and the cell cycle.

Binary Fission

A type of asexual reproduction where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Origin of replication

The specific location on a chromosome where replication begins.

Somatic Cells

Any body cell that is not a gamete, typically diploid.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid.

Gonads

Organs that produce gametes; ovaries in females and testes in males.

Genome

The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA winds to form nucleosomes.

Nucleosomes

Units of DNA wrapped around histone proteins, forming the basic structural unit of chromatin.

Chromosomes

Structures made of chromatin that carry genetic information, visible during cell division.

Sister Chromatid

Identical copies of a chromosome, joined at the centromere.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined together.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from formation to division.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for division; includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

Gap 1 phase or G1 phase

The first phase of interphase, where the cell grows and prepares to replicate its DNA.

Gap 2 phase or G2 phase

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

DNA synthesis phase or S phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

Mitosis

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

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into chromosomes.

Prometaphase

The stage of mitosis where the nuclear envelope breaks down and spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.

Metaphase plate

The imaginary plane where chromosomes align during metaphase.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, where chromosomes de-condense and nuclear envelopes reform.

Cytokinesis

The process where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate cells.

Cleavage furrow

The indentation that begins to form during cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the separation of the two daughter cells.

Centrosome

An organelle that serves as the main microtubule organizing center.

Centrioles

Cylindrical structures in the centrosome that play a role in cell division.

Mitotic spindle

The structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during mitosis.

Asters

Star-shaped structures that form around the centrosome during mitosis.

Kinetochores

Protein complexes that form at the centromere and are essential for chromosome movement.

Kinetochore microtubules

Microtubules that attach to kinetochores and help pull chromosomes apart.

Non-kinetochore microtubules

Microtubules that do not attach to kinetochores but help in the elongation of the cell.

Cohesin

A protein complex that holds sister chromatids together.

Actin microfilaments

Filaments involved in cell shape and movement.

Myosin

A motor protein that interacts with actin to facilitate muscle contraction and movement.

Cell Cycle Control Systems

Regulatory pathways that control the progression of the cell cycle.

G1 checkpoint

The point in the cell cycle where the cell assesses its size, DNA integrity, and nutrients before proceeding to S phase.

G2 checkpoint

The checkpoint that ensures all DNA is replicated and undamaged before mitosis.

M checkpoint or Mitosis checkpoint

The checkpoint that ensures all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase.

G0 phase

A phase where cells exit the cell cycle and enter a quiescent state.

Cyclin

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cyclin dependent kinases or Cdks

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, regulate the cell cycle.

Maturation Promoting Factor or MPF

A complex of cyclin and Cdk that triggers the onset of mitosis.

Growth factors

Signaling molecules that stimulate cell growth and division.

Anchorage dependence

The requirement that cells must be attached to a substrate to divide.

Density dependent inhibition

The phenomenon where crowded cells stop dividing.

Transformation - normal cell into cancer cells

The process by which normal cells become cancerous.

Benign tumor

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

Malignant tumor

A cancerous growth that invades surrounding tissues and can metastasize.

Metastasize

The process by which cancer cells spread to distant parts of the body.