The Cell Cycle

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle, its phases, and mechanisms involved in cell division.

Cell Cycle

A conserved sequence of events in eukaryotes where the contents of a cell are duplicated and divided into two.

M Phase

The phase of the cell cycle where the nucleus and cytoplasm divide, consisting of mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division).

Interphase

The period between cell divisions characterized by metabolic activity, cell growth, and repair, divided into G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

The first subphase of Interphase, where the cell grows and performs its normal functions.

S Phase

The synthesis phase of Interphase during which DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

The second gap phase of Interphase, where the cell prepares for mitosis.

G0 Phase

A resting phase where cells are metabolically active but do not divide.

Cell-Cycle Control System

A complex system that regulates the progression of the cell cycle through various checkpoints.

Cyclin-Dependent Protein Kinases (Cdks)

Enzymes that, in complex with cyclins, drive the cell cycle progression.

M-Cdk

Cyclin-dependent kinase activated by M cyclin that phosphorylates regulatory proteins for entry into M phase.

Cohesins

Protein complexes that hold sister chromatids together until anaphase.

Condensins

Proteins that help condense DNA in each sister chromatid during prophase.

Prometaphase

The phase where the nuclear envelope is disassembled and mitotic spindle assembly is completed.

Kinetochore

A protein structure at the centromeres of chromosomes that attaches to microtubules during cell division.

Anaphase

The phase of mitosis where sister chromatids are separated and pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where chromosomes are decondensed, and the nuclear envelope reforms.

Cytokinesis

The process during which the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two daughter cells.

Phosphatases

Enzymes that promote the reassembly of the nuclear envelope by dephosphorylating nuclear pore proteins and lamins.

Phragmoplast

A specialized microtubule structure in plant cells that guides cytokinesis by forming the cell plate.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that produces haploid cells (gametes) from diploid germ-line cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide to produce more stem cells or differentiate into specialized cell types.

Microtubule Dynamics

The continuous growth and shrinkage of microtubules, crucial for the assembly and function of the mitotic spindle.