Unit 3: Test Review Cell Cycle Vocabulary

Vocabulary review flashcards covering cell cycle phases, mitosis stages, cell regulation, checkpoints, cell size efficiency, and specialization.

Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio

A ratio that is higher in smaller cells, making transport of materials such as nutrients, gases, and waste into and out of the cell more efficient.

G1 Phase

The first growth phase of the cell cycle in which the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and makes proteins.

S Phase

The synthesis phase of the cell cycle where the cell's DNA is replicated so there are two identical copies ready for cell division.

G2 Phase

The second growth phase in which the cell continues to grow and produces proteins needed for cell division.

M Phase (Mitotic Phase)

The phase of the cell cycle that involves division of the nucleus, separation of chromosomes, and splitting of the cytoplasm.

G0 Phase

A resting phase where cells exit the cell cycle and do not divide (e.g., neurons).

Interphase

The long stage of the cell cycle comprising G1, S, and G2 phases that prepares the cell for division by growing, replicating DNA, and producing organelles.

Prophase

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

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis during which chromosomes line up at the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes decondense, nuclear membranes reform around separated chromosomes, and a cleavage furrow forms.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm splits, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Cell Cycle Regulators

Proteins and mechanisms that determine the timing and order of cell cycle events and ensure that each phase is properly completed before moving to the next.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) at specific phases.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that monitor and ensure proper progression and accuracy before the cell divides.

G1 Checkpoint

A cell cycle regulatory point that checks for cell size, nutrients, and DNA damage before DNA synthesis.

G2 Checkpoint

A cell cycle regulatory point that ensures DNA was replicated correctly and checks for damage before mitosis.

M Checkpoint

A regulatory checkpoint during mitosis that ensures chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers before separation.

Apoptosis

The programmed process of cell death that helps eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells.

Somatic Cells

All body cells, except for gametes, which contain the full set of chromosomes ($2n$) and are involved in growth and maintenance.

Gametic Cells

Cells involved in sexual reproduction, such as sperm and eggs, which carry half the number of chromosomes ($n$).

Diploid ($2n$)

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one inherited from each parent.

Haploid ($n$)

A cell that contains only one complete set of chromosomes.

Mutation

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene, which can lead to variations in traits or disruption of cell cycle control.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can divide and become specialized cell types.

Cell Specialization

The process where different genes are expressed in different cells, leading to specialized functions.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical copies of a replicated chromosome joined together by a centromere.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are linked together.

Spindle Fibers

Protein structures that form during cell division to organize and pull apart chromosomes/chromatids.

Cleavage Furrow

The shallow groove formed on the cell surface during telophase and cytokinesis where the cytoplasm divides.

Cell Cycle Diagram

A circular diagram representing the main phases of the cell cycle: G1, S, and G2 (Interphase), M phase (mitosis/cytokinesis), and G0.

Mitosis Diagram

A visual outline illustrating the four main phases of nuclear division: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase/Cytokinesis.