IB Bio Mitosis

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cell division, mitosis, cancer, and the cell cycle control mechanisms.

Mitosis

Process of nuclear division that results in two daughter cells with the same genetic material as the parent cell.

Interphase

The longest part of the cell cycle, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases, where the cell prepares for mitosis.

Cyclins

A family of proteins that regulate the progression of cells through the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases.

Cytokinesis

Physical process that divides the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells after mitosis.

Mutagens

Agents that cause mutations in DNA, which can potentially lead to cancer.

Oncogenes

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Mitotic Index

Ratio of the number of cells in mitosis to the number of total cells, used to predict cellular proliferation.

Checkpoints

Critical control points in the cell cycle that assess whether the cell is ready to proceed to the next stage.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms as a mechanism to eliminate damaged cells.

Sister Chromatids

Duplicated chromosomes that are joined together by a centromere and separate during mitosis.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are held together before they separate during mitosis.

Cleave Furrow

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

Tumor

Abnormal growth of tissue that can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Cancer

A disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, leading to the formation of tumors.

Carcinogens

Substances that are known to cause cancer through mutagenic processes.

Centriole

Cell organelle that assists in cell division by organizing microtubules to form the spindle fibers.

Spindle Fibers

Microtubule structures that separate sister chromatids during cell division.

Chromatin

The complex of DNA and proteins that forms chromosomes within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Chromosomes

Structures made of DNA and protein that contain genetic information and are visible during mitosis.

G1 Phase

First gap phase of interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins and organelles.

S Phase

Synthesis phase of interphase where DNA is replicated.

G2 Phase

Second gap phase of interphase where the cell prepares for mitosis and completes growth.