AICE Biology Chapter 5

What are the fundamental processes for all living organisms?

Growth and reproduction.

Why is cell division crucial?

It allows for the passing of genetic information to daughter cells and requires precise control.

What is the role of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

It controls the cell's activities and contains DNA, which serves as the instructions for life.

How do multicellular organisms originate?

They originate from a single zygote through the division of cells.

What are the phases of the cell cycle?

G1 Phase, S Phase, G2 Phase, M Phase (mitosis) and Cytokinesis.

What happens during Interphase?

Cell growth, DNA replication, and preparation for division.

What are the stages of Mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

What are chromosomes made of?

Chromatin, which consists of DNA wrapped around histone proteins.

What is the function of telomeres?

To protect the ends of chromosomes and prevent the loss of vital genetic information during DNA replication.

What are stem cells?

Unspecialized cells capable of indefinite division and can differentiate into specialized cells.

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Benign tumors do not spread, while malignant tumors invade other tissues and can metastasize.

What is a carcinoma?

A type of cancer that arises from epithelial cells.

What is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide?

Lung cancer.

What is the role of oncogenes in cancer?

They are mutated genes that promote cancer by disrupting normal cell division.

How does telomerase relate to aging?

Telomerase replenishes telomere sequences, and its reduced activity in many cells leads to telomere shortening and aging.

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

S Phase (Synthesis Phase).

What is the role of cytokinesis?

It is the final division of the cell, producing two genetically identical cells.

What is the typical human chromosome count?

46 chromosomes.

What happens during Anaphase of mitosis?

Sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite poles.

What processes use mitosis?

Growth, repair, asexual reproduction, and immune responses.

How can cancer result from mutations?

Mutations disrupt the control mechanisms regulating cell division, leading to uncontrolled mitosis.

What are the three types of stem cells based on potency?

Totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells.

What is a common application of stem cell therapy?

Bone marrow transplantation to treat blood disorders.