Understanding the Cell Cycle and Mitosis

Cell Division

Process for growth, repair, and reproduction.

Mitosis

Asexual reproduction creating identical offspring.

Meiosis

Process producing gametes for sexual reproduction.

Chromosome

DNA structure containing genetic information.

Chromatid

Identical halves of a duplicated chromosome.

Centromere

Region connecting sister chromatids.

Interphase

Phase where the cell grows and performs functions.

G1 Phase

First growth phase of the cell cycle.

S Phase

Phase where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

Second growth phase before mitosis.

Prophase

First stage of mitosis; chromosomes condense.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the cell's equator.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and move apart.

Telophase

Final stage of mitosis; nuclear membranes reform.

Cytokinesis

Division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA is coiled.

Chromatin

Uncondensed form of DNA in non-dividing cells.

Checkpoint

Control mechanism ensuring proper cell cycle progression.

Asexual Reproduction

Single organism replicates itself via mitosis.

Sexual Reproduction

Fusion of gametes to form offspring.

Eukaryotic Chromosome

Linear DNA structure found in eukaryotic cells.

Prokaryotic Chromosome

Circular DNA structure in prokaryotic cells.

Centriole

Organelle involved in cell division.

Interphase

Phase where cell prepares for division.

S phase

Synthesis phase; DNA is replicated.

G2 phase

Gap 2; cell grows and prepares for mitosis.

G2 checkpoint

Checks DNA replication for integrity and completeness.

Integrity

Ensures DNA is correct and free of errors.

Completeness

Confirms DNA replication is fully done.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death for damaged cells.

G0 state

Nondividing state where cells perform functions.

Mitosis

Process of cell division forming two identical cells.

PMAT

Phases of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

Prophase

First mitosis phase; chromosomes condense and centrioles separate.

Metaphase

Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.

Spindle checkpoint

Ensures chromosomes are properly aligned before separation.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.

Telophase

Chromosomes gather, nuclear membrane reforms, and decondense.

Cytokinesis

Division of cytoplasm forming two daughter cells.

Cleavage furrow

Pinching of cell membrane in animal cell cytokinesis.

Cell plate

Formation in plant cells during cytokinesis.

Asexual reproduction

Single parent produces genetically identical offspring.

Binary fission

Prokaryotic reproduction; parent splits into two identical cells.

Microtubules

Structures that help separate chromosomes during mitosis.

Asexual reproduction

Reproduction without the fusion of gametes.

Fragmentation

Parent breaks into fragments, forming new organisms.

Budding

Parent forms a bubble-like bud that detaches.

Cell Differentiation

Process where cells develop distinct functions and structures.

Zygote

Cell formed from the fusion of two gametes.

Blastocyst

Hollow ball of cells in early embryonic development.

Embryo

Initial stage of multicellular organism development.

Potency

Stem cells' ability to become different cell types.

Totipotent

Stem cells that can develop into any cell type.

Pluripotent

Stem cells that can develop into most cell types.

Multipotent

Stem cells with limited ability to differentiate.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation.

Epigenetics

Mechanisms that regulate gene expression above DNA level.

Telomeres

DNA caps protecting chromosomes during replication.

Mitosis

Cell division process that produces two identical cells.

Differentiation triggers

Factors influencing cell specialization during development.

Stem cell locations

Found in bone marrow, fat, and tissue linings.

Cellular division timeline

Differentiation starts after the first few divisions.

Extracellular conditions

External factors affecting cell differentiation and development.

Signal proteins

Internal signals that influence gene expression and differentiation.

Immortal cells

Cells that can replicate indefinitely without aging.

Cellular characteristics

Distinct features of cells despite identical genomes.

Telomere

Protective end of chromosomes, limits cell division.

Cellular Senescence

Point where a cell stops dividing.

Immortal Cells

Cells that can divide indefinitely under conditions.

Telomerase

Enzyme that extends telomeres, preventing cell death.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Cells capable of becoming any cell type.

Cancer Cells

Cells that divide uncontrollably, ignoring growth signals.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)

Reprogrammed skin cells to behave like stem cells.

Hayflick Limit

Maximum number of divisions for typical cells.

HeLa Cells

First immortal cell line from Henrietta Lacks' tumor.

Stem Cell Differentiation

Process of stem cells becoming specialized cell types.

Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)

Cell collection from fat tissue, includes stem cells.

Uncontrolled Mitosis

Unlimited cell division leading to cancerous tumors.

Oncogenes

Proteins that promote tumor cell development.

Replicative Immortality

Ability of cancer cells to divide indefinitely.

Metastasis

Spread of cancer cells to other body parts.

Hematogenous Metastasis

Cancer spread through the circulatory system.

Lymphatic Metastasis

Cancer spread through lymphatic system.

Potency

Ability of stem cells to differentiate into various types.

Pluripotent

Ability to differentiate into nearly any cell type.

Regenerative Cells

Cells that can heal and repair tissues.

Cell Culture

Growing cells in a controlled environment outside the body.

Growth Factors

Signals that promote cell division and growth.

Cancer Mutations

Genetic changes that accelerate cell division.