Intro to Cell Growth and Division - What Goes Wrong in Cancer Cells

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through as it grows and divides.

Interphase

The preparation phase for division in the cell cycle, consisting of G1, S, and G2 phases.

S Phase

The stage of the cell cycle where DNA is duplicated.

Chromosomes

Structures that organize DNA into manageable units; humans have 23 pairs.

Sister Chromatids

The duplicated chromosomes that are attached at the centromere during mitosis.

Mitosis

The division phase of the cell cycle where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Centrioles

Organelles that help organize the mitotic spindle during cell division.

Metaphase Checkpoint

A critical checkpoint in the cell cycle that ensures proper attachment of chromosomes to the spindle fibers.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that help regulate cell division and can prevent cancer when functioning properly.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that, when mutated, can promote cancerous growth.

Cytokinesis

The final step in cell division, where the cell membrane pinches and two daughter cells are formed.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Mechanisms that monitor the progress of the cell cycle and prevent errors.

Anaphase

The stage in mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes de-condense and nuclear membranes reform.

Chromatid Cohesion

The connection between sister chromatids, crucial for their proper separation during mitosis.

Lagging Chromosomes

Chromosomes that do not segregate properly during mitosis, often leading to errors.