Cell Cycle and Cancer study guide

Zygote

A fertilized egg that goes through cell division repeatedly.

Mitosis

The division phase of the cell cycle and 1 cell becomes 2 identical daughter cells.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that become differentiated into one or more types of specialized cells.

Embryonic stem cells

cells that have never differentiated.

Adult stem cells

Cells found in adult bone marrow that are partially differentiated and can become bone,blood cartilage, fat, and connective tissue.

Interphase

The growth phase of the cell

Gap 1 (G1 phase)

Cell grows and makes proteins

Gap 2 (G2 phase)

More cell growth and protein synthesis

Synthesis phase

DNA replication occurs, doubling the number of chromosomes.

Prophase

Chromosomes condense and are visible as sister chromatids (X’s) nuclear membrane disappears, and spindle fibers form out of centrioles.

Metaphase

Spindle fibers connect to the centromere of each sister chromatid, chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

Sister chromatids separate, pulling away from each other and becoming individual chromosomes, chromatids move to the opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

Chromosomes de-condense and start to look like chromatin again, nuclear membrane re-forms around chromosomes at each pole, spindle fibers break down.

Cytokinesis

The division of cytoplasm into 2 individual parts

Cytokeinesis in plant cells

Cell plate forms midway between divided nuclei and gradually develops into a membrane

Cytokinesis in animal cells

Forms a cleavage furrow that pinches the cell into 2 equal parts

End result of mitosis

2 identical body cells

Chromosomes

One long continuous thread of DNA that consists of thousands of genes and regulatory information.

Chromatin

When DNA is stringy in interphase

Sister Chromatids

Two identical chromatids

Chromatid

On half of a duplicated chromosome

Spindle/Centrioles

What is attaching to the chromosomes during cell division and pulling them apart.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein

Checkpoints

Where the cell “checks” itself before it finishes dividing.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death, internal/external signal activate genes that produce self-destructive enzymes.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell divison

Tumors

Clump of cells that divide uncontrollably

Benign

Abnormal cells typically remain clustered together (it may be harmless and easily removed)

Malignant

Cancer cells that break away from the tumor and move to other parts of the body, leads to more tumors

Metastasize

Spreading of disease from one organ to others.

How do cells become specialized?

Cells specialize by "turning on" specific genes in their DNA, they also get signals from their surroundings that tell them what kind of cell to become, guiding them to their final job.

Levels of organization in order

Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism

Stages of cell cycle in order

Phrophase, Metaphase, Anapase, Telophase, Cytokinesis

Why do cells divide?

To allow organisms to grow, develop, and repair, damaged tissues.

Why is surface area to volume ratio important?

It determines how efficiently a cell or organism can exchange materials with its environment.

Difference between benign and malignant tumors

Benign tumors generally don’t invade and spread and they remain clustered, malignant cells are more likely to metastasize/ travel to other areas.

What Biological factors cause cancer?

Age, Inherited genetic mutations, skin type

What lifestyle choices can cause cancer?

Diet, physical activity, exposure to UV radiation, viruses, and other infections like HPV.

What kinds of exposure can cause cancer?

Carcinogens, tobacco smoke, asbestos.

How can cancer be treated?

Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.