Cell Division, Genetics, and Cancer Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards detailing the stages of mitosis, differences between normal and cancer cell growth, gene expression, chemotherapy targets, and genetic concepts.

Scientific Inquiry Question

A question that can be investigated by conducting an experiment or collecting and analyzing data.

Prophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and become visible, and the cell prepares to move the chromosomes.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes line up across the middle of the cell and are positioned for separation.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids separate and chromosomes move toward opposite sides of the cell.

Telophase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes reach opposite sides and new nuclei begin to form.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that results in $1$ parent cell dividing into $2$ daughter cells, with each receiving a complete set of genetic information.

Normal Cell Division

An organized and controlled process where a cell grows, copies its DNA, organizes and separates its genetic material, and divides, stopping when enough cells are present.

Cancerous Cell Growth

Uncontrolled cell division that does not stop when it should, causing cells to continue dividing and producing more cells than the body needs, which can form a tumor.

Chemotherapy Targets

Cancer treatments that target rapidly dividing cells, destroying cancer cells as well as rapidly dividing healthy cells such as hair follicles, digestive tract lining, and bone marrow.

DNA

The molecule that stores genetic information, serving as a large instruction manual for building and maintaining an organism.

Gene

A section of DNA that contains instructions that help produce a functional product, often a protein.

Trait

An inherited characteristic of an organism that can be observed or measured, such as eye color, hair texture, blood type, height, and flower colors.

Genome Structure

The complete set of genetic information located in the nucleus, which in humans consists of $23$ chromosome pairs containing various genes that code for proteins.

Gene Expression

The process where information from a gene is used to make proteins, representing genes when they are turned "on".

Gene Suppression

The state when genes are in the "off" state and not actively producing protein products.

Tissue Specialization

The process where specific tissues turn specific genes on and off to establish specific cell functions, allowing cells to form specialized tissues and organs.

Tumor Suppressor Gene

Genes that normally prevent rapid cell growth and help support cell division; they are suppressed more in cancer cells than in normal cells.

Oncogene

Genes that encourage cell growth and division, which are expressed more in cancer cells than in normal cells.

Risk

The probability or chance that something will happen, such as the lifetime chance of getting diagnosed with cancer.

Temporary Gene Expression Changes

Reversible alterations in gene expression caused by environmental or lifestyle factors.

Permanent Gene Expression Changes

Non-reversible alterations in gene expression caused by mutations in the DNA sequence.

Overexpression

When a cell produces an abnormally high amount of protein product compared to normal physiological conditions, keeping growth signals constantly "on".

Underexpression

When a cell makes a lower-than-normal amount of a gene's product or protein, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division if affecting tumor suppressor genes.