Cellular Reproduction and Cancer

Flashcards covering key concepts related to cellular reproduction, the cell cycle, and cancer.

Cellular Reproduction

The process where cells grow, duplicate their contents, and divide to create new cells.

Chromatin

A loose combination of DNA and proteins, visible as thread-like structures.

Asexual Reproduction

Simple cell division, examples include amoebas and bacteria.

Sexual Reproduction

Involves genetic material from two different cells, increasing genetic diversity.

Interphase

The phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows and DNA replicates before mitosis.

Mitosis

The process of nuclear division in the cell cycle leading to two daughter cells.

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm that follows mitosis, producing two separate cells.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that helps maintain cell numbers and remove damaged cells.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that code for proteins promoting the cell cycle and inhibiting apoptosis.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that code for proteins inhibiting the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis.

p53 Tumor Suppressor Protein

A protein that checks DNA for damage at the G1 checkpoint and can trigger apoptosis if damage is irreparable.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure the cycle progresses correctly.

Mitosis Phases

Includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, which describe the stages of nuclear division.

Cytokinesis in Plant Cells

Involves building of a new plasma membrane and cell walls between daughter cells.

Cancer

A disease of the cell cycle where uncontrolled cell division occurs, often due to genetic mutations.

Carcinogenesis

The development of cancer involving a series of mutations leading to tumor formation.

Genetic Control of the Cell Cycle

The regulation of the cell cycle by proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Characteristics of Cancer Cells

Lack differentiation, have abnormal nuclei, divide indefinitely, and do not undergo apoptosis.