Cell Cycle: Mitosis

What is the lifespan of neurons?

Some neurons can live for decades.

Which cells typically live for days?

Skin cells, white blood cells, and intestinal cells.

What does the Cell Theory state?

All living things are made up of cells; cells are the basic units of structure and function; new cells are produced from existing cells.

What must be passed on during cell division?

DNA.

What are chromosomes?

Tightly wound/coiled DNA and proteins.

What is a duplicated chromosome?

A chromosome that consists of two sister chromatids attached at the centromere region.

What is the longest phase of the cell cycle?

Interphase, which accounts for 90% of the cell cycle.

What occurs during Interphase?

The cell grows, carries out normal functions, duplicates DNA, and prepares for cell division.

What happens during M Phase?

Mitosis (nucleus divides) and cytokinesis (cytoplasm divides).

What are the four broad phases of mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

What happens during Prophase?

The nuclear envelope begins to break apart, and chromosomes condense and form.

What occurs during Metaphase?

Chromosomes line up at the midline, and spindle fibers attach to the chromatids.

What happens in Anaphase?

Chromosomes separate, and spindle fibers pull chromatids apart.

What occurs during Telophase?

The nuclear envelope begins to reform, and chromosomes begin to spread out into chromatin.

What is apoptosis?

Programmed cell death that occurs if DNA is too damaged.

What is a benign tumor?

A lump of cells that remains at the original site.

What is a malignant tumor?

An invasive tumor that impairs the functions of one or more organs.

What does metastasis refer to?

The process by which cancer cells separate from a tumor and spread to other parts of the body.

What is the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

They are control points where stop/go signals regulate the cell cycle.

What happens if a cell ignores a checkpoint?

It can lead to uncontrolled growth and potentially cancer.

What is the cell cycle control system?

A system that regulates cell division and growth.

What is the significance of the Cell Cycle + Cancer?

Unrestricted growth in the cell cycle can lead to tumors and cancer.