Unit 6: Gene Regulation and Cell Division Practice Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering eukaryotic and prokaryotic gene regulation, stages of the cell cycle (interphase and mitosis), and cell cycle regulation.

Chromatin remodeling

A mechanism in eukaryotes, besides transcription factors, used to regulate gene expression.

mRNA processing

One of the ways gene expression is regulated in eukaryotes.

RNA interference

A method of eukaryotic gene regulation occurring after transcription.

DNA-binding proteins

Proteins in prokaryotes that regulate genes by controlling transcription.

Transcription factors

Proteins that bind DNA sequences in regulatory regions of eukaryotic genes to control gene expression.

Chromosomes

Bundled DNA molecules that facilitate the handling of large DNA and ensure accurate separation during cell division.

Sexual reproduction advantages

A reproductive strategy that results in more genes being present in the gene pool.

Asexual reproduction advantages

A reproductive strategy that makes it simpler to add to the population.

G1 phase

A stage of the cell cycle involving cell growth and the synthesis of new proteins.

G0 phase

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell performs normal functions.

S phase

The phase in which DNA replication takes place, doubling the DNA content.

G2 phase

The phase where the cell prepares for division by producing final organelles.

M phase

The phase of the cell cycle consisting of mitosis and cytokinesis.

Mitosis

The first stage of the M phase, which involves the division of the cell nucleus.

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where genetic material condenses, duplicated chromosomes become visible, and a spindle starts to form.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where centromeres of duplicated chromosomes line up across the center of the cell and connect to spindle fibers.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes separate and move along spindle fibers to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes spread out into a tangle of chromatin and a nuclear envelope re-forms.

Centrioles

Tiny paired structures located in the centrosome that move toward opposite poles during prophase.

Spindle fibers

A fanlike system of microtubules that helps separate duplicated chromosomes during mitosis.

Sister chromatids

Two thick strands of a duplicated chromosome attached at the centromere.

Animal cell cytokinesis

The process where the cell membrane is drawn inward until the cytoplasm is pinched into two equal parts.

Plant cell cytokinesis

The process where a cell plate forms halfway through the divided nuclei and develops into separating cell membranes.

Cyclins

Proteins that regulate the timing of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells.

Cancer

A condition caused by defects in genes regulating cell growth and division, leading to uncontrolled cell division.

Tumors

Masses of cancerous cells that absorb nutrients and disrupt normal organ function.