Cell Cycle and Cancer

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the cell cycle, cancer, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in cellular processes.

Cell Cycle

An orderly, highly regulated, and carefully controlled sequence of events that occurs as cells grow and divide.

Cancer

A family of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division.

Metastasis

The process of tumor cells breaking away from a tumor, traveling to new locations, and starting new tumors.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Intervals in the cell cycle when regulatory proteins check specific aspects of the cell for damage, especially DNA, and allow or prevent continued progress through the cycle.

Tumor Suppressors

Genes whose protein products function as regulatory molecules at cell cycle checkpoints, preventing uncontrolled division of damaged cells.

G₁ Phase

The first gap phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and makes the decision to divide or enter the Go (non-dividing) phase.

S Phase (Synthesis Phase)

The phase in the cell cycle where chromosomes are replicated, resulting in the synthesis of DNA.

G₂ Phase

The second gap phase of the cell cycle where the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

M Phase (Mitosis)

The phase where cell division occurs, resulting in two daughter cells.

p53

A key regulatory protein in the cell cycle checkpoints that can trigger cell cycle arrest or self-destruction in response to DNA damage.

Missense Mutation

A type of mutation that results in a single amino acid change in a protein, affecting its function.

Primary Tumor

The original site of uncontrolled cell division.

Secondary Tumor

A tumor that forms when cancer cells spread from the primary site to other parts of the body.