Chapter 12: The Cell Cycle

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the cell cycle and mitosis.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA and proteins, condensed from chromatin during cell division.

Histones

Proteins around which DNA is tightly coiled to form nucleosomes.

Chromatin

The less condensed form of DNA that is accessible for transcription.

Gene

A segment of DNA that codes for a protein.

Mitosis

A stage of the cell cycle where the cell divides its duplicated chromosomes into two identical nuclei.

Cytokinesis

The process during cell division where the cytoplasm divides and two daughter cells are formed.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Sister chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together by a centromere.

Telomeres

The protective ends of chromosomes that do not contain genes.

Karyotype

A display of an individual's chromosomes, used for identifying chromosomal abnormalities.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends the majority of its time, performing normal tasks.

G1 phase

The first gap phase in interphase where the cell grows and performs normal functions.

S phase

The phase of the cell cycle in which DNA is replicated.

G2 phase

The second gap phase where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, help progress the cell cycle.

Checkpoints

Control points in the cell cycle that ensure proper division and prevent errors.

Proto-Oncogenes

Normal genes that, when mutated, can lead to cancer by promoting excessive cell division.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that slow down cell division, repair DNA, or trigger apoptosis; mutations can lead to cancer.

Malignant cells

Cancer cells that invade surrounding tissue and can metastasize.

Benign tumors

Non-cancerous growths that do not invade other tissues.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, a process that eliminates damaged cells.

Carcinogens

Substances or factors that can cause cancer by inducing mutations.

Gene therapy

A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases.

Immunotherapy

A cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to disrupt cell division.

Radiation therapy

The use of high-energy particles to kill or damage cancer cells.

HeLa cells

A continuous cell line derived from cervical cancer cells taken from Henrietta Lacks.

Telomerase

An enzyme that extends the telomeres of chromosomes, associated with cellular immortality.

Growth factors

Proteins that stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation.

Density-dependent inhibition

The phenomenon where crowded cells stop dividing.

Anchorage dependence

The requirement of cells to be attached to a substrate to divide.

Lymphoma

A type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

Neuroblastoma

A cancer that develops from immature nerve cells, typically in children.

Retinoblastoma

A rare type of eye cancer that affects young children.

Osteoporosis

A condition characterized by weakened bones and increased fracture risk.

Multiple myeloma

A cancer that arises from plasma cells in the bone marrow.

Bacteria

Single-celled organisms that reproduce by binary fission, a form of asexual reproduction.

Cell cycle regulation

The mechanisms that control the sequence and timing of the cell cycle phases.

Epidermolysis bullosa

A group of genetic disorders that cause fragile skin.

Chondroplasia

A bone growth disorder resulting in dwarfism.

Disruptive mutations

Changes in DNA that can lead to uncontrolled cell growth.

Cancer staging

The process of determining the extent of cancer in the body.

Cytoplamic signals

Molecular signals in the cell that influence cell cycle progression.