Cell Structure and Mitosis Phases

Nuclear Envelope

A double membrane that surrounds the nucleus in eukaryotic cells, separating the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm. It regulates the passage of substances in and out of the nucleus.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum involved in the synthesis of lipids and detoxification of drugs and poisons in cells.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A type of endoplasmic reticulum that is studded with ribosomes on its cytoplasmic surface, involved in the synthesis and processing of proteins.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer that provides support and protection to the cells of plants, fungi, and some bacteria.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Chloroplast

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy. Also creates chlorophil giving plants their green colour

Mitochondria

Organelles that produce energy through cellular respiration, converting nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

Golgi Bodies

Cellular organelles that modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares of mitosis. Includes G1, S, and G2 phases.

G1 Phase

The first subphase of interphase, where the cell grows, synthesizes proteins, and produces organelles in preparation for DNA replication. Has one checkpoint which checks if cell is large enough

S Phase

The phase of interphase where DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes in preparation for cell division.

G2 Phase

The third sub phase of interphase where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis by producing proteins and organelles, ensuring that all cellular components are ready for division. Checkpoint for if all chromosomes are replicated

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form. During this phase, Centrioles go to opposite sides of the cell.

Metaphase

The second stage of mitosis, during which chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, ensuring that each sister chromatid is properly attached to the spindle fibers for separation.

Anaphase

The third stage of mitosis, where sister chromatids are pulled apart and moved toward opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis, during which the separated chromosomes reach the poles, begin to decondense back into chromatin, and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, resulting in two distinct nuclei within the cell.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of cell division, following telophase, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells, each with its own nucleus and set of organelles.

Compare cancer cells to normal cells. Describe 3 main differences

• Cancer cells typically grow and divide uncontrollably

• Cancer cells ignore growth signals and evade programmed cell death

• Cancer cells often lose their specialized functions