14.CellDivision

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Pancreatic cancer

A disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the pancreas, which is involved in digestion and glucose regulation.

Growth factors

Proteins that stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation.

Ras/MAPK pathway

A signaling pathway that promotes cell growth, proliferation, and survival.

Cell cycle

The series of stages that a cell goes through to grow and divide into two daughter cells.

G1 phase

The initial growth phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and prepares to replicate its DNA.

S phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs.

G2 phase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis.

M phase

The phase of the cell cycle that includes both mitosis and cytokinesis.

Cdks (Cyclin-dependent kinases)

Enzymes that regulate the cell cycle progression by phosphorylating target proteins.

Cyclins

Proteins whose concentrations vary throughout the cell cycle and regulate the activity of Cdks.

Transition points

Specific checkpoints in the cell cycle where the control system ensures that key processes occur in the proper sequence.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis when sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where nuclear envelopes reassemble around each set of chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm is divided into two daughter cells.

Mitogens

Signaling molecules that stimulate cell division by activating growth factor pathways.

S-Cdk

A cyclin-dependent kinase that initiates DNA replication during S phase.

Interphase

The period of the cell cycle between two M phases, encompassing G1, S, and G2 phases.

Chromosome segregation

The process of separating duplicate chromosomes during cell division.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus that results in two nuclei, each with an identical set of chromosomes.

Cell membrane

A protective barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Chromatin

The material that makes up chromosomes, consisting of DNA and proteins.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the metaphase plate at the center of the cell, ensuring proper segregation during cell division.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide and develop into different cell types.

Telomeres

Protective caps at the end of chromosomes that prevent degradation and maintain stability.

DNA repair

The process by which a cell identifies and corrects damage to its DNA.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which unspecialized cells become specialized in structure and function.

Homologous Chromosomes

Pairs of chromosomes containing the same genes, one from each parent.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing gametes.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.

Cell Signaling

The communication between cells through signaling molecules to coordinate responses.