Unit 2 Vocab Words

anaphase

anaphase

The stage of mitosis in which sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell.

cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division, resulting in the formation of tumors and potential metastasis to other body parts.

cell cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through, including interphase and mitotic phase, leading to cell division.

cell cycle regulation (check points)

Mechanisms that monitor and regulate the progression of the cell cycle at specific points to ensure proper division.

cell-cycle arrest

A halt in the cell cycle often triggered by stress or damage, preventing the cell from dividing until issues are resolved.

centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together and where spindle fibers attach during mitosis.

chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that form chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, existing in two forms: euchromatin (active) and heterochromatin (inactive).

cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which drive the cell cycle forward.

cytokinesis

The final phase of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

DNA polymerase

An enzyme involved in DNA replication that synthesizes new strands of DNA complementary to the template strand.

G0

A phase where cells exit the cell cycle and enter a quiescent state, often referred to as a resting phase.

G1

The first gap phase of the cell cycle before DNA synthesis begins, where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.

G2

The second gap phase of the cell cycle after DNA synthesis, where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell spends most of its time, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases, preparing for cell division.

Kinase

An enzyme that adds a phosphate group to a substrate molecule, often playing a role in signaling pathways and cell cycle regulation.

kinetochore

The protein complex that forms on the centromere during cell division, allowing spindle fibers to attach and pull chromosomes apart.

Lagging strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized discontinuously in short segments (Okazaki fragments) during DNA replication.

Leading strand

The DNA strand that is synthesized continuously in the same direction as the replication fork during DNA replication.

metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, preparing for separation.

metaphase plate/equator

The imaginary plane in the middle of the cell where chromosomes align during metaphase.

metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to other parts of the body.

mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, involving prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

mitotic spindle

The structure made of microtubules that separates the sister chromatids during mitosis.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to alterations in gene function and may contribute to the development of diseases like cancer.

Mutagen

An agent, such as radiation or chemical substances, that causes changes to the DNA, increasing the frequency of mutations.

Okazaki fragment

Short segments of DNA synthesized on the lagging strand during DNA replication.

proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that promote cell growth and division; when mutated, they become oncogenes that can lead to cancer.

replication origins

Specific locations on the DNA molecule where replication begins.

RNA primer

A short strand of RNA that provides a starting point for DNA synthesis during replication.

S phase

The phase of the cell cycle where DNA is replicated, resulting in two copies of each chromosome.

Semiconservative model

The model of DNA replication in which each new DNA molecule consists of one old strand and one new strand.

sister chromatids

The two identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together at the centromere.

Telomerase

An enzyme that extends the telomeres of chromosomes, playing a crucial role in maintaining chromosome integrity.

Telomere

The protective end of a chromosome that typically shortens during cell division; linked with aging and cancer.

telophase

The final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense and nuclear membranes reform around the two sets of chromosomes.

tumor suppressors

Genes that help regulate cell growth and division; mutations in these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, resulting in cancer.