Cell Cycle 9

A series of vocabulary flashcards aimed at key concepts related to cellular replication, the cell cycle, and cancer.

Cell Cycle

A regimented set of stages of the growth and division of a cell.

Interphase

The phase where the cell performs its usual functions and spends most of the cell cycle.

G1 Phase

The phase where the cell doubles its organelles and grows in size.

S Phase

The phase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical chromatids.

G2 Phase

The phase where the cell synthesizes proteins necessary for division.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division where daughter chromosomes are distributed.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death involving a sequence of cellular events.

Centrioles

Short, hollow cylinders composed of microtubules, involved in cell division.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the cell cycle by signaling progression through checkpoints.

G1 Checkpoint

The main checkpoint of the cell cycle, assessing DNA damage before proceeding.

G2 Checkpoint

Assesses if DNA has replicated properly before mitosis occurs.

M checkpoint

Spindle assembly checkpoint that ensures proper alignment of chromosomes.

Sister Chromatids

Two identical strands of DNA joined at a centromere after DNA replication.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that begins the process of cytokinesis in animal cells.

Cell Plate

The structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells, leading to the formation of a new cell wall.

Benign Tumors

Non-cancerous tumors that do not invade other tissues or spread.

Malignant Tumors

Cancerous tumors that can invade surrounding tissues and metastasize.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that inhibit the cell cycle; if mutated, can lead to uncontrolled growth.

Oncogenes

Mutated proto-oncogenes that promote excessive cell division.

Telomeres

Special material at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division.

Telomerase

An enzyme that maintains telomere length, potentially allowing cancer cells to divide indefinitely.

Binary Fission

The method by which prokaryotic cells divide, producing two identical daughter cells.

Haploid (n)

Cells that contain one set of chromosomes; for humans, it is 23.

Diploid (2n)

Cells containing two sets of chromosomes; for humans, it is 46.

Metaphase Plate

The plane through which the mother cell will be divided during metaphase.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus that disappears during prophase.

Chromatin

The relaxed form of DNA and histone proteins present during interphase.

Chromosome

Condensed structure formed from chromatin during cell division.

Cleavage Furrow

The indentation that forms on the surface of an animal cell during cytokinesis.

Contractile Ring

A ring of actin filaments that pinches the cell in two during animal cell cytokinesis.

Asters

Star-like arrays of microtubules that form during mitosis around the centrosome.

Chromatids

The identical halves of a duplicated chromosome joined at the centromere.

Kinetochores

Protein structures on the centromere that attach to spindle fibers during mitosis.

Spindle Fibers

Microtubules that pull sister chromatids apart during anaphase.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where two daughter nuclei form.

Nuclear Envelope

The membrane that surrounds the nucleus, disintegrates during prophase.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types.

Progression of Cancer

The gradual development of cancer through mutations in genes affecting cell cycle control.

Apoptotic Bodies

Cellular fragments that are engulfed by phagocytes during apoptosis.

Phagocytic Cells

Immune cells that engulf and digest cellular debris or apoptotic bodies.

Contact Inhibition

The process where cells stop dividing when they come into contact with neighboring cells.

Mitosis Phases

The individual stages of mitosis, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromatin condenses and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align at the metaphase plate.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where chromosomes decondense and nuclear envelopes reform.

Cancer Characteristics

Features that differentiate cancer cells from normal cells, such as lack of differentiation and abnormal nuclei.

Uncontrolled Cell Growth

Rapid proliferation of cells leading to the formation of tumors.

Cell Cycle Review

The process of verifying successful completion of checkpoints in the cell cycle.

G1 Phase Importance

G1 check the integrity of DNA before committing to DNA replication.

G2 Phase Importance

G2 ensures DNA was accurately replicated before entering mitosis.

Role of p53

A tumor suppressor protein that halts cell cycle progression in response to DNA damage.

Protein Synthesis

Process required for cell division including the creation of essential proteins.

Plant Cell Cytokinesis

Initiated by the formation of a cell plate due to membrane-bounded vesicles fusing.

Animal Cell Cytokinesis

Features the formation of a cleavage furrow that divides the cell.

Growth Factor

A protein that stimulates cell division and growth.

Gene Product

The functional product of a gene, typically a protein.