1.1.6 - The Cell Cycle

Cell Cycle

The process of a cell growing, dividing, and dying.

Mitosis

The organized division of the nucleus.

Cytokinesis

The end of mitosis where the cell splits to form two identical daughter cells.

Interphase

The phase cells exist in majority of the time when they are not dividing.

G1 Phase

The longest phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows larger and synthesizes proteins and organelles.

S Phase

The phase during which the cell replicates its DNA by copying each strand of chromatin.

G2 Phase

The phase where the cell grows rapidly in preparation for mitosis.

Apoptosis

A regulated process of programmed cell death.

Pluripotency

The ability of stem cells to differentiate into many different cell types.

Totipotency

The ability of a stem cell to develop into any type of cell as well as the tissue surrounding an embryo.

Checkpoints

Regulatory points during the cell cycle that assess the health of the cell and ensure proper division.

Anaphase

Stage in mitosis where chromosomes separate at the centromere and move to opposite sides of the cell.

Metaphase

Stage in mitosis where chromosomes move to the center of the cell.

Telophase

Stage in mitosis where chromosomes begin to unravel and a new nuclear membrane forms.

Cancer cells

Cells that exhibit deviant behavior due to disruptions in the regulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis.