Lecture 2: Mitosis, Cancer, Meiosis, Protein Synthesis, and Reproductive Systems

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering cell division (mitosis and meiosis), cancer biology, protein synthesis, and both male and female reproductive systems from Lecture 2.

Mitosis

The cell division process that produces $2$ genetically identical diploid ($2\text{N} = 46$ chromosomes) cells from $1$ original cell for growth and repair.

Interphase

The cell cycle phase consisting of G1 (organelle growth and nutrient uptake), S phase (DNA replication), and G2 (cell enlargement and membrane creation in preparation for division).

Prophase

The first phase of mitosis where the nuclear membrane dissolves, sister chromatids form, and centrosomes migrate to opposite ends of the cell.

Metaphase

The mitotic phase where sister chromatids align along the center of the cell and spindle fibers attach to the chromatids.

Anaphase

The mitotic phase in which sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell by spindle fibers.

Telophase

The final phase of mitosis where the cell membrane invaginates and the cell splits into two.

Contact Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism of the mitotic rate where cells divide and replicate when they lose contact with each other.

Benign Tumor

A noncancerous cellular growth characterized by arrested growth.

Malignant Tumor

A cancerous cellular growth characterized by continual growth and the ability to undergo metastasis.

Metastasis

The process where malignant cancer cells spread from their initial site into surrounding tissues, distant nodes, and through the lymphatic system.

Oncogene

A mutated gene that leads to uncontrolled mitosis and cancer development.

Chemotherapy

A cancer treatment utilizing drugs that destroy rapidly dividing cells, often causing a reduction in red blood cells and white blood cells.

Immunotherapy

A cancer treatment method involving custom-designed antibodies engineered to target cancer cells.

Meiosis

The gametogenesis division occurring in the testes or ovaries that converts $1$ diploid cell ($2\text{N} = 46$ chromosomes) into $4$ genetically varied haploid cells ($\text{N} = 23$ chromosomes).

Transcription

The initial step of protein synthesis occurring in the nucleus where a DNA gene sequence is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA).

Translation

The step in protein synthesis where mRNA is read by tRNA to assemble a sequence of amino acids into a polypeptide chain at the ribosome.

Codon

A three-base nucleotide sequence on RNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

Hypertrophy

The enlargement of individual cells without an increase in cell number, occurring in muscle and adipocytes due to stress and growth hormone.

Atrophy

The shrinkage of cells, such as muscle cells, caused by disuse and aging.

Dartos and Cremaster Muscles

Smooth muscles within the scrotum that maintain the testes at $95^\circ\text{F}$ for optimal spermatogenesis.

Cryptorchidism

A condition in which one or both testes fail to descend into the scrotum, which can cause sterility due to excess body cavity heat.

Orchiopexy

A surgical procedure performed to position undescended testes into the scrotum.

Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to secrete LH and FSH.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that targets interstitial cells in the testes to produce testosterone in males, and surges mid-cycle to trigger ovulation in females.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

An anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates sustentacular cells in the testes to secrete androgen-binding proteins in males, and promotes ovarian follicle development in females.

Acrosome

The cap located on the head of a sperm cell containing digestive enzymes that break down the outer layer of an egg cell during fertilization.

Epididymis

A duct lined with pseudostratified ciliated epithelial tissue where sperm cells are stored and mature for $3\text{--}4\text{ months}$.

Vas Deferens

A muscular tube consisting of a pseudostratified ciliated mucosa and smooth muscle muscularis that connects the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct via peristalsis.

Seminal Vesicles

Male accessory glands that secrete a viscous fluid containing fructose for sperm energy, clotting factors for vaginal adherence, and alkaline factors to activate motility.

Prostate Gland

A walnut-sized male gland located below the urinary bladder that encircles the urethra and secretes activating factors for sperm.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

A noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes impaired bladder emptying, polyuria, and nocturia.

Bulbourethral Glands

Glands that secrete an alkaline mucus prior to ejaculation to coat the urethra and the glans penis.

Oogenesis

The process of female gamete production in the ovaries, resulting in the release of a secondary oocyte during ovulation.

Fallopian Tubes

Tubular organs approximately $4\frac{1}{2}\text{ inches}$ in length lined with simple columnar ciliated epithelium that serve as the normal site of fertilization.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes adjacent to the ovaries that help direct the ovulated oocyte into the tube.

Hysterectomy

The surgical removal of the uterus.

Regions of the Uterus

The four anatomical subdivisions of the uterus: the fundus, body, isthmus, and cervix.