Cell division
The ability of organisms to produce more of their own kind.
Omnis cellula e cellula
Rudolf Virchow's concept that all cells arise from pre-existing cells.
Cell cycle
The series of events that a cell goes through as it grows and divides.
Chromosomes
Structures made of DNA and proteins that contain genetic information.
Mitosis
The division of genetic material in the nucleus of a cell.
Cytokinesis
The division of the cytoplasm of a cell.
Sister chromatids
Joined copies of the original chromosome.
Centromere
The region where sister chromatids are attached most closely to each other.
Somatic cells
Non-reproductive cells that have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Gametes
Reproductive cells that have half as many chromosomes as somatic cells.
Chromatin
The form of chromosomes when a cell is not dividing.
Prophase
The first stage of mitosis where chromatin fibers condense into discrete chromosomes.
Prometaphase
The stage where the nuclear envelope fragments and microtubules invade the nuclear area.
Metaphase
The stage where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.
Anaphase
The stage where sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite ends of the cell.
Telophase
The stage where daughter nuclei form and chromosomes become less condensed.
Cleavage furrow
The indentation that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells.
Cell plate
The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells.
Binary fission
The process of cell division in bacteria and archaea.
Evolution of mitosis
The hypothesis that mitosis evolved from simpler prokaryotic mechanisms of cell reproduction.
Hypothesis
Ignores potential intermediate mechanisms used by extinct species
Chromosomes
Structures that carry genetic information in the form of DNA
Cleavage furrow
Indentation that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells, leading to cell division
Cell plate
Structure formed during cytokinesis in plant cells, contributing to cell division
S phase
Stage of the cell cycle where DNA replication occurs and chromosomes consist of two identical chromatids
Tubulin
Protein involved in the formation of microtubules, important for mitotic spindle formation and chromosome separation in eukaryotic cell division
Actin
Protein involved in cytokinesis, aiding in the formation of the cleavage furrow or cell plate
Kinetochore
Protein structure located on the centromere of a chromosome, serving as a connection point for microtubules during cell division
Cell cycle
The series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication
Cell cycle control system
Set of molecules that regulate the sequential events of the cell cycle
Cyclins
Proteins that fluctuate in concentration throughout the cell cycle and are involved in regulating cell cycle progression
Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks)
Kinases that are attached to cyclins to become active and regulate cell cycle events
Cell cycle checkpoints
Points in the cell cycle where stop and go-ahead signals can regulate the progression of the cycle
G1 checkpoint
Checkpoint in the cell cycle where a cell receives a go-ahead signal to complete the cycle and divide
G0 phase
Phase in the cell cycle where cells exit the cycle and do not divide
Cancer cells
Cells that exhibit loss of cell cycle controls and can go on dividing indefinitely
Metastasis
Spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body
Chemotherapy
Treatment for cancer that interferes with specific steps in the cell cycle to inhibit cell division
Benign tumors
Tumors that remain at the original site and can be removed by surgery
Malignant tumors
Tumors that include cells that can spread to new tissues and impair organ functions
Histogram
A graphical representation of data that shows the distribution of cells among different cell cycle phases.
Cell cycle phases
The different stages that a cell goes through during its life cycle, including G1, S, G2, and M phases.
Treated sample
A sample of cells that has been subjected to a specific treatment or intervention.
Stem cell-derived inhibitor
A substance derived from stem cells that can halt or slow down the progression of the cell cycle in cancer cells.
G1, S, and G2 phases
The three phases of the cell cycle where DNA replication, growth, and preparation for cell division occur.
Mitotic spindle
A structure made up of microtubules that controls the movement of chromosomes during mitosis.
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)
Enzymes that are activated by the protein MpF and play a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle.
Receptor tyrosine kinases
Proteins that trigger cell division by activating signaling pathways involved in cell cycle progression.
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Collaboration between different scientific disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of cancer and develop effective treatments.
Model organisms
Organisms, such as fruit flies, that are used in scientific research to study biological processes and diseases like cancer.
Cytokinesis
The process of dividing the cytoplasm of a cell after mitosis, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells.
Binary fission
The process of cell division in bacteria, where the chromosome replicates and the daughter chromosomes move apart.
Cell cycle control system
A molecular system that regulates the progression of the cell cycle, ensuring proper cell division.
Checkpoints
Specific points in the cell cycle where the progression is halted until certain conditions are met.
Density-dependent inhibition
The phenomenon where cells stop dividing when they become too crowded, preventing overgrowth.
Anchorage dependence
The requirement for cells to be attached to a surface in order to divide.
Cancer cells
Cells that have lost the ability to regulate their cell cycle and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors.
Metastasis
The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body, forming secondary tumors.
Cell plate
A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells and eventually develops into a new cell wall.
Genetically identical daughter cells
The result of most cell divisions, where the two daughter cells have the same genetic material as the parent cell.