Reproduction at the Cellular Level

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on cellular reproduction, focusing on the cell cycle, mitosis, genetic information, and cancer.

What is a zygote?

A fertilized egg that becomes the ancestor of all the cells in a multicellular organism.

What are the two major phases of the cell cycle?

Interphase and Mitosis.

What do somatic cells contain in terms of chromosomes?

Somatic cells contain two matched sets of chromosomes and are diploid (2n).

What is the definition of the genome?

A cell’s complete complement of DNA.

What is the primary difference between haploid and diploid cells?

Haploid cells have one set of chromosomes (n), while diploid cells have two matched sets (2n).

During which phase of the cell cycle does DNA replication occur?

During the S (Synthesis) phase of interphase.

What is mitosis?

The process of nuclear division resulting in two identical daughter cells.

Name the five phases of mitosis in order.

Prophase, Prometaphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

What occurs during cytokinesis?

The physical separation of the cytoplasmic components into two daughter cells.

What is the function of tumor suppressor genes?

They prevent the cell from undergoing uncontrolled division when activated.

What is the G1 checkpoint?

It is the restriction point that determines if conditions are favorable for cell division to proceed.

How do prokaryotes reproduce?

Through binary fission, where one cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.

What role does the protein p53 play in cell division?

It monitors DNA for damage and triggers repair mechanisms or apoptosis if damage is irreparable.

What cells are described as being in the G0 phase?

Cells that are not actively dividing.

What happens during metaphase?

All chromosomes are aligned in a plane called the metaphase plate.