Cell Division and the Cell Cycle

Flashcards covering key concepts of cell division, the cell cycle, and cancer biology based on lecture notes.

What are the three main stages of the cell cycle?

Interphase, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis.

What occurs during Interphase?

The cell grows and the chromosomes are duplicated in preparation for cell division.

What is Mitosis?

The division of the genetic material in the nucleus.

What is Cytokinesis?

The division of the cytoplasm into two daughter cells.

What happens to chromosomes during Mitosis?

Chromosomes are separated and moved to opposite ends of the cell.

What are sister chromatids?

Identical copies of a chromosome connected by cohesins.

What is the role of cohesins during cell division?

Cohesins hold sister chromatids together after DNA replication.

What distinguishes somatic cells from gametes?

Somatic cells have two sets of chromosomes, while gametes have half as many.

How does Mitotic spindle function during mitosis?

It is made of microtubules and controls chromosome movement.

What marks the beginning of Cytokinesis in animal cells?

The appearance of the cleavage furrow.

What is a cell plate and when does it form?

A structure that forms during cytokinesis in plant cells.

What are the phases of Interphase?

G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.

What is the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

They regulate the cell cycle and ensure that conditions are optimal for progression.

What happens if a cell does not receive a 'go-ahead' signal at the G1 checkpoint?

The cell exits the cycle and enters a nondividing state called the G0 phase.

What characterizes cancer cells in relation to growth factors?

Cancer cells can grow and divide without the normal signals that regulate the cell cycle.

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body.

How are benign and malignant tumors different?

Benign tumors remain at the original site, while malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and can metastasize.