Cell Cycle and Cancer

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the cell cycle and cancer, including definitions essential for understanding the processes involved.

Cell Cycle

A repeated pattern of growth, DNA duplication, and cell division in eukaryotic cells.

Interphase

The growth phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its life, consisting of G{1}, S, and G{2} phases.

G_{1} Phase

The first part of interphase where the cell grows and carries out normal metabolic functions.

S Phase

The 'Synthesis' phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs, doubling the amount of DNA.

G_{2} Phase

The second gap phase where the cell continues to grow and produces the proteins necessary for cell division.

Mitosis

The division phase of the cell cycle where one cell becomes two identical daughter cells, consisting of Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane disappears, and spindle fibers form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where spindle fibers attach to the centromeres and chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart and move to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where nuclear membranes reform around the two sets of chromosomes and the DNA begins to uncoil.

Cytokinesis

The separation of cytoplasm following telophase, resulting in two distinct individual cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death activated by internal and external signals that produce self-destructive enzymes.

Tumor

A clump of cells that divide uncontrollably; can be benign or malignant.

Benign

Abnormal cells that typically remain clustered together and may be harmless.

Malignant

Cancer cells that break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

Metastasize

The process of cancer spreading from one organ to others.

Cell Differentiation

The process that creates specialized structures and functions from stem cells.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can become differentiated into one or more types of specialized cells.

Chromosome

A long continuous thread of DNA that contains thousands of genes and regulatory information.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical chromatids formed during DNA replication.

Checkpoint

A critical point where 'stop' and 'go' signals can regulate the cell cycle.

Gastrulation

The process following the implantation of a blastocyst that leads to the formation of three differentiated germ layers.

Organogenesis

The process of formation of body organs and organ systems that follows gastrulation.

Differentiation

The process where specialized cells form tissues, which then form organs and organ systems.