Cell Growth, Division, and Differentiation Processes

Cell Size Efficiency

Larger cells are less efficient in transport.

Surface Area

Determines nutrient intake and waste removal rate.

Cell Volume

Affects oxygen usage and waste production.

Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Critical for efficient cellular function.

Information Overload

Occurs when DNA cannot meet cellular demands.

Cell Division

Process where a cell replicates DNA and splits.

Asexual Reproduction

Genetically identical offspring from one parent.

Binary Fission

Single parent produces identical offspring.

Budding

Offspring grows off parent cell.

Vegetative Propagation

Budding process in plants.

Sexual Reproduction

Fusion of reproductive cells from two parents.

Chromosomes

DNA bundles that organize genetic material.

Prokaryotic DNA

Single circular chromosome in cytoplasm.

Eukaryotic DNA

Multiple chromosomes tightly bound to histones.

Histones

Proteins that package and order DNA.

Chromatin

Complex of DNA and proteins in eukaryotes.

Cell Membrane

Barrier for nutrient and waste exchange.

Cell Growth Limitations

Cells must divide to maintain efficiency.

Nucleotide

Building blocks of DNA storing genetic information.

Daughter Cells

Result of cell division, more efficient.

Cellular Transport

Movement of materials across cell membrane.

Cellular Efficiency

Dependent on size and surface area.

Cellular Demands

Increased as cell size increases.

Nucleosome

DNA wrapped around 8 histones forming a bead-like structure.

Chromosome

Duplicated DNA structure visible during cell division.

Cell Cycle

Process of cell growth, preparation, and division.

Prokaryotic Cell Cycle

Growth, DNA replication, and division in prokaryotes.

Binary Fission

Asexual reproduction creating two identical cells.

Eukaryotic Cell Cycle

Four stages: G1, S, G2, and M.

Interphase

Growth period between cell divisions in eukaryotes.

G1 Phase

Cell growth and synthesis of proteins and organelles.

S Phase

DNA synthesis and chromosome replication occurs.

G2 Phase

Preparation for cell division, organelles produced.

M Phase

Cell division producing two daughter cells.

Mitosis

Division of the cell nucleus into two nuclei.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm following mitosis.

Prophase

First mitosis phase, longest duration.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and move apart.

Telophase

Nuclear membranes reform around separated chromosomes.

Supercoiled Chromatin

Highly condensed DNA structure during cell division.

DNA Replication

Process of copying DNA before cell division.

Cell Growth

Increase in cell size and metabolic activity.

Chromatin

Uncoiled DNA in the nucleus during interphase.

Organelles

Cell structures performing specific functions.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and spindle forms.

Chromatids

Duplicated chromosomes appear as two thick strands.

Centromere

Point where sister chromatids are attached.

Spindle

Microtubule system aiding chromosome separation.

Centrosome

Region where spindle fibers originate.

Centrioles

Paired structures that help organize spindles.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the cell's center.

Telophase

Chromosomes spread into chromatin; nuclear envelope reforms.

Cytokinesis

Division of cytoplasm forming two separate cells.

Animal Cytokinesis

Cell membrane pinches inward to separate cells.

Plant Cytokinesis

Cell plate forms between divided nuclei.

Cell Plate

Structure developing into membranes in plant cells.

G0 Phase

Cell cycle phase not preparing for division.

Cancer Cell Division

Divides with four spindle poles instead of two.

Cell Cycle Regulation

Controls prevent excessive cell growth and division.

Contact Inhibition

Cells stop dividing upon contact with others.

Microtubules

Filaments that disassemble during anaphase movement.

Nuclear Envelope

Membrane surrounding the nucleus re-forms in telophase.

Nucleolus

Structure that becomes visible in daughter nuclei.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome connected at centromere.

M Phase

Phase of the cell cycle involving mitosis and cytokinesis.

Cell Cycle

Sequence of events in cell division and growth.

Regulatory Proteins

Proteins controlling the cell cycle phases.

Internal Regulatory Proteins

Proteins responding to events inside the cell.

External Regulatory Proteins

Proteins responding to external cell events.

Growth Factors

Proteins stimulating cell growth and division.

Cyclin

Protein regulating the cell cycle timing.

Mitosis-Promoting Factor (MPF)

Complex triggering mitosis via cyclin and enzyme.

G1 Checkpoint

Ensures cell growth and organelle replication.

G2 Checkpoint

Confirms successful DNA replication before mitosis.

Metaphase Checkpoint

Verifies chromosome attachment to spindle apparatus.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death for tissue development.

Chromatin

Complex of DNA and proteins in cells.

Spindle Fibers

Structures aiding chromosome separation during mitosis.

Anaphase

Phase where chromosomes separate during mitosis.

Embryonic Development

Process of growth and formation of embryos.

Wound Healing

Repair process following injury to tissues.

Cell Division

Process where a parent cell divides into daughter cells.

Checkpoint Mechanism

System ensuring proper cell cycle progression.

Excessive Cell Growth

Uncontrolled proliferation leading to tissue disruption.

Nutrient Level

Availability of essential substances for cell function.

DNA Damage

Alterations in DNA structure affecting cell function.

Cell Cycle Phases

Stages including G1, S, G2, and M phases.

Neighboring Cells

Cells adjacent to others, influencing growth regulation.

Cancer

Disorder of uncontrolled cell growth.

Tumor

Mass of cells formed by cancer.

Benign Tumor

Noncancerous tumor that doesn't spread.

Malignant Tumor

Cancerous tumor that invades healthy tissue.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer to other body parts.

p53 Gene

Checkpoint protein gene regulating cell cycle.

Cell Cycle

Sequence of events in cell division.

Chemotherapy

Use of chemicals to treat cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Treatment using high-energy radiation beams.

Secondary Tumors

New tumors formed from metastasized cancer.

Cell Growth Regulation

Control mechanisms for normal cell division.