Biology 1A03: Cellular and Molecular Biology - DNA Replication and Mitosis

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on cellular and molecular biology, focusing on DNA replication, mitosis, and cell cycle regulation.

What is binary fission?

Binary fission is the process by which prokaryotic cells divide asexually, resulting in two identical daughter cells.

How do prokaryotes reproduce?

Prokaryotes reproduce by binary fission, making exact copies of their genomes.

What occurs during the S phase of the cell cycle?

During the S phase, DNA is replicated.

What are cyclins and their role in the cell cycle?

Cyclins regulate the progression of the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

What is the function of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Checkpoints pause cell division to ensure that conditions are appropriate and DNA is undamaged before proceeding.

What happens during prophase in mitosis?

chromosomes condense and become visible, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

What is the significance of the spindle assembly checkpoint?

The spindle assembly checkpoint ensures that sister chromatids are properly attached to the spindle before anaphase.

What characterizes metaphase in mitosis?

chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, and kinetochores attach to spindle fibers.

What occurs during anaphase?

sister chromatids are separated and pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.

What is cytokinesis?

is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.

What differentiates stem cells from other cell types?

Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and can reproduce indefinitely.

Describe telophase in mitosis.

the nuclear envelope reforms around the separated sets of chromosomes, which begin to decondense.

What is the mitosis-promoting factor (MPF)?

MPF is a complex of cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase that drives the cell cycle from G2 phase into mitosis.