The Cell Cycle and Cell Division

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle and cell division, including key processes, definitions, and regulatory mechanisms.

Spindle fibers

Structures that help separate chromosomes during cell division.

Binary fission

A mode of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into two genetically identical cells.

Mitosis

A process of cell division resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and generates genetic diversity.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction involving a single parent that results in genetically identical offspring or clones.

Sexual reproduction

Reproduction involving the fusion of two gametes, resulting in offspring with genetic variation.

Haploid

A cell that contains one set of chromosomes; in humans, gametes are haploid with a chromosome number of 1N.

Diploid

A cell that contains two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent; zygotes are diploid with a chromosome number of 2N.

Oncogene proteins

Mutated positive regulators of the cell cycle that can lead to cancer when overactive.

Tumor suppressors

Negative regulators of the cell cycle that inhibit cell division; inactive in cancer cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in a controlled process within an organism.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous pairs or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division, causing aneuploidy.

Caspases

Enzymes that play essential roles in programmed cell death (apoptosis) by hydrolyzing target proteins.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)

Protein kinases that regulate the cell cycle and are activated by binding to cyclins.

Chiasmata

The points where two homologous non-sister chromatids exchange genetic material during crossing over.

Translocation

A chromosomal aberration that occurs when a segment of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome.

Karyotype

The number and appearance of chromosomes in the nucleus of a cell, used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

Cleavage furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the development of a new cell wall.

Growth factors

Signals produced by cells that stimulate cell division and differentiation.