The Cell Cycle and Cell Division

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the cell cycle and cell division, including definitions of important terms and processes learned in the lecture.

Cell Division

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

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Meiosis

A special type of cell division that produces gametes with half the number of chromosomes (haploid).

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate daughter cells after mitosis.

Diploid

A cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent (2n).

Haploid

A cell that contains one complete set of chromosomes (n), as seen in gametes.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle in which a cell spends the majority of its life, preparing for division.

Chromatids

The two identical halves of a duplicated chromosome, joined together at the centromere.

Cyclin

A regulatory protein that controls the progression of the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms as a normal process of development or in response to cellular damage.

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the potential to invade other tissues.

Oncogenes

Mutated genes that have the potential to cause cancer, often through overactivity.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division; mutations can lead to cancer.

Nondisjunction

The failure of homologous chromosomes or sister chromatids to separate properly during cell division.

Translocation

The process in which a piece of one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome, potentially leading to genetic disorders.

Gametes

Reproductive cells (sperm and eggs) that are haploid and combine during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.