Biology Cell Cycle Flashcards

Made by Eli Borgos for Mr. Blanchette Cell Cycle Quiz

What occurs during G1 Phase?

The cell grows, carries out normal functions, and produces proteins and organelles necessary for the upcoming phases.

What is the significance of the S Phase?

In S Phase, DNA is replicated, leading to the formation of identical sister chromatids essential for cell division.

What occurs during G2 Phase?

The cell continues to grow, checks for DNA errors, and produces proteins needed for mitosis preparation.

Describe Mitosis.

Mitosis is the process where the nucleus divides, resulting in duplicated chromosomes being separated into identical nuclei.

What is Cytokinesis?

Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm that results in two identical daughter cells.

What are Cyclins and their role?

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the timing and progression of the cell cycle by activating corresponding CDKs.

What is the function of CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase)?

CDKs are enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, help control the progression through the cell cycle at various checkpoints.

Explain the role of MPF (M-phase Promoting Factor).

MPF is a cyclin-CDK complex that initiates the onset of mitosis by phosphorylating target proteins required for the process.

What does p53 do in the cell cycle?

p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that halts the cell cycle or triggers apoptosis if the DNA damage is severe.

What are cell cycle checkpoints and their importance?

Checkpoints (G1, G2, M) are control points that ensure conditions are correct for the cell to proceed to the next phase, preventing anomalies in division.

Why is apoptosis necessary for cells?

Apoptosis eliminates damaged, infected, or unnecessary cells, thus preventing possible disease and maintaining cellular health.

What happens during Prophase?

Chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane disintegrates, and a spindle apparatus forms to prepare for chromosome separation.

What is Metaphase?

During Metaphase, chromosomes align along the metaphase plate at the cell's midpoint, ensuring proper separation.

Describe what occurs during Anaphase.

In Anaphase, sister chromatids are pulled apart toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each new nucleus receives an identical set of chromosomes.

Explain Telophase.

During Telophase, new nuclear membranes form around the separated chromosomes, which begin to decondense back into chromatin.

What is the relationship between cancer and the cell cycle?

Cancer results from uncontrolled cell division due to the loss of regulatory mechanisms in the cell cycle, allowing abnormal cells to proliferate.

List key cancer risk factors.

Cancer risk factors include genetic predisposition, smoking, exposure to radiation, harmful chemicals, and poor dietary choices.

How does cancer develop genetically?

Cancer can develop from mutations in proto-oncogenes (which become oncogenes, promoting excessive growth) and the dysfunction of tumor suppressor genes, leading to unregulated division.

What is metastasis?

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells spread from their original site to other parts of the body through blood or lymphatic systems.

How is cancer diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods for cancer commonly include imaging techniques, biopsies, blood tests, and genetic testing to identify malignancies.

What are common cancer treatments?

Cancer treatments typically involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy depending on the cancer type and stage.

Why do different tissues exhibit varying mitosis rates?

Different tissues have distinct repair requirements; for instance, skin and intestinal tissues require continual regeneration, while nerve cells do not typically undergo division.

What factors can lead to higher mitosis rates in specific tissue samples?

Higher mitosis rates may arise from injury, growth demands, repair requirements, or exposure to signals promoting cell division.