Cell Division & Differentiation

Biology Study guide for upcoming test

The series of events a cell goes through as it grows, copies DNA, and divides.

Cell Cycle

The stage when the cell grows, performs normal functions, and copies its DNA.

Interphase

The division of a cell's nucleus that produces two genetically identical daughter cells.

Mitosis

Chromosomes become visible and spindle fibers begin to form.

Prophase

Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Metaphase

Sister chromatids separate and move apart.

Anaphase

Two new nuclei reform around the chromosomes.

Telophase

The cytoplasm divides, producing two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The order of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

PMAT

A structure made of DNA that contains genetic information.

Chromosome

One copy of a duplicated chromosome.

Chromatid

Two identical copies of a chromosome joined together.

Sister Chromatids

The structure that holds sister chromatids together.

Centromere

Fibers that move chromosomes during cell division.

Spindle Fibers

Structures that help organize spindle fibers during cell division.

Centrioles

A cell with two sets of chromosomes; humans have 46.

Diploid

A cell with one set of chromosomes; humans have 23.

Haploid

The process of copying DNA before cell division.

DNA Replication

DNA is copied, but the chromosome number does not double. A human cell still has 46 chromosomes after DNA replication.

Important DNA Rule

Checks that the cell has grown enough and has the necessary organelles.

G1 Checkpoint

Checks that DNA was copied correctly before the cell divides.

G2 Checkpoint

Checks that chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibers.

End of Metaphase Checkpoint

Uncontrolled cell growth and division.

Cancer

Cancer that stays in its original area.

Localized Cancer

Cancer that has spread from its original location to another part of the body.

Metastatic Cancer

Controls which genes are turned ON or OFF.

Gene Regulation

The process by which a cell develops a specific structure and function.

Cell Differentiation

An unspecialized cell that can develop into different specialized cell types.

Stem Cell

A cell that does not yet have a specific structure or function.

Unspecialized Cell

A cell that has a specific structure and function for a particular job.

Specialized Cell

Tissue

Cell

A group of similar cells working together.

Tissue

A group of tissues working together to perform a function.

Organ

A group of organs working together.

Organ System

A complete living thing.

Organism

Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism.

Body Organization

Gene regulation; it controls which genes are active in a cell.

Gene ON/OFF Switch

M = Middle; chromosomes line up in the middle.

Metaphase Memory Trick

A = Apart; sister chromatids move apart.

Anaphase Memory Trick

Telophase = Two nuclei reform.

Telophase Memory Trick

G1 = Growth + organelles.

G1 Memory Trick

G2 = DNA check.

G2 Memory Trick

Centromere = connects/holds sister chromatids together.

Centromere Memory Trick

Spindle fibers = move chromosomes.

Spindle Fiber Memory Trick

Differentiation = developing a specific job.

Differentiation Memory Trick

Stem cells are the starting point that can develop into specialized cells.

Stem Cell Memory Trick

Haploid = Half the human diploid number = 23.

Haploid Memory Trick

Diploid = Double set = 46 in humans.

Diploid Memory Trick