Cell Cycle, Mitosis, and Basic Genetics Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the cell cycle, mitosis, and basic genetics as described in the lecture notes.

Cyclins

Proteins whose levels rise and fall during the cell cycle and help regulate progression by activating cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)

Enzymes that, when bound to cyclins, phosphorylate target proteins to drive cell cycle transitions.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle when the cell grows and DNA is replicated, consisting of G1, S, and G2.

G1 phase

First gap phase; cell growth and preparation for DNA synthesis.

S phase

Synthesis phase; DNA replication occurs.

G2 phase

Second gap phase; cell finishes growth and preparations for mitosis.

Mitosis (M phase)

Stage of cell division where the nucleus divides; includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and the mitotic spindle forms.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the center of the cell; spindle fibers attach to kinetochores.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and are pulled toward opposite poles.

Telophase

Chromosomes arrive at poles, de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Checkpoints

Control points (G1, G2, and metaphase/anaphase) that ensure the cell is ready to proceed.

Karyotype

A display of all the chromosomes in a cell, typically 46 in humans (23 pairs).

Homologous chromosomes

A pair of chromosomes, one from each parent, with the same genes in the same order.

Autosomes

Non-sex chromosomes; humans have 22 pairs of autosomes.

Sex chromosomes

Chromosomes that determine sex; XX in females and XY in males.

Diploid (2n)

Cell with two complete sets of chromosomes; somatic cells are diploid.

Haploid (n)

Cell with a single set of chromosomes; gametes (sperm or egg) are haploid.

Somatic cells

Body cells that are typically diploid.

Gametes (ova and sperm)

Reproductive cells that are haploid and unite during fertilization.

Chromatin

DNA wrapped around histone proteins; condenses into chromosomes during cell division.

DNA replication

The process of copying the genome prior to cell division, using enzymes like DNA polymerase.

Transcription

Copying DNA into RNA using RNA polymerase.

Translation

Synthesizing a polypeptide (protein) from mRNA with the help of ribosomes and tRNA.

RNA types

Three main types of RNA: messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and transfer RNA (tRNA).

Start codon

AUG; signals the start of translation.

Stop codons

UAA, UAG, or UGA; signal the end of translation.

DNA polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes new DNA strands during replication.

DNA helicase

Enzyme that unwinds the DNA double helix during replication.

DNA ligase

Enzyme that seals breaks in the DNA backbone during replication.

RNA polymerase

Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription.

Ribosome

Molecular machine that translates mRNA into a polypeptide during translation.