Cell Cycle and Genetic Concepts

A set of flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to the cell cycle, DNA structure, genetics, and related processes.

Interphase (S phase)

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is duplicated.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense.

Cell cycle

A series of events that occur in a cell as it grows and divides.

Centromere

The constricted region of a chromosome that holds sister chromatids together.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA, RNA, and proteins found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Cyclins

Regulatory proteins that control cell cycle progression.

Cohesin

A protein complex that holds sister chromatids together.

Cytokinesis

The final division of a eukaryotic cell's cytoplasm.

Diploid

A cell or organism containing two complete sets of chromosomes.

Euchromatin

A lightly packed form of chromatin that is genetically active.

G1 phase

The first stage of interphase, occurring after mitosis and before DNA synthesis.

Cleavage furrow

A groove in the cell surface that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells.

G2 phase

The phase after DNA synthesis where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Haploid

A cell that has only one set of chromosomes.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division that produces two identical daughter cells.

Nucleosome

The basic unit of DNA packaging, consisting of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

Oncogenes

Mutated genes that can cause normal cells to become cancerous.

P53 protein

A tumor suppressor protein that prevents damaged cells from dividing.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the spindle begins to form.

S phase (Synthesis)

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that prevent uncontrolled cell growth.

Alleles

Different versions of a gene.

Nondisjunction

The failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis.

Phenotype

The observable traits of an organism.

Transcription

The process of copying DNA into RNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing a protein from an mRNA template.