Untitled Flashcards Set

Cell Cycle

The regular sequence of growth and division that cells go through.

Interphase

The longest stage of the cell cycle where cells grow, make copies of DNA, and prepare to divide.

Mitosis

The stage of the cell cycle where the cell’s nucleus divides into nuclei, consisting of four phases.

Cytokinesis

The final stage of the cell cycle where the cytoplasm divides and organelles are distributed into new cells.

Prophase

The longest phase of Mitosis where chromosomes form in the nucleus.

Metaphase

The phase of Mitosis where chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The phase of Mitosis where the 'X' of the chromosome is pulled apart to separate sides of the cell.

Telophase

The phase of Mitosis where a new nucleus is formed.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, genetic material that carries information from one generation to the next, located in the chromatin in the nucleus.

Nucleotide

The base steps of the DNA ladder, consisting of sugar, phosphate, and a nitrogen base.

Nitrogen bases

The four types of nitrogen bases in DNA: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine.

DNA pairing rule

Guanine pairs with cytosine, and adenine pairs with thymine.

Chromatin

A complex of DNA and protein found in the nucleus, which condenses to form chromosomes during cell division.

Chromosomes

Structures that carry genetic information, made of chromatin, visible during cell division.

G1 Phase

The first phase of Interphase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins required for DNA replication.

S Phase

The phase of Interphase where DNA is replicated, forming two identical copies of each chromosome.

G2 Phase

The second gap phase of Interphase where the cell continues to grow and prepares for Mitosis.

Centromere

The region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined.

Sister chromatids

The identical copies of a chromosome connected by a centromere, formed during DNA replication.

Spindle fibers

Protein structures that form during Mitosis and help pull apart chromosomes.

Karyotype

A visual profile of all the chromosomes in a cell, used to identify chromosomal abnormalities.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to genetic diversity or diseases.

Cell Division

The process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

Apoptosis

A form of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.

Oncogenes

Mutated genes that have the potential to cause cancer by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

Tumor suppressor genes

Genes that help regulate cell growth and division; mutations can lead to cancer.

Cell Growth Factor

A substance, such as a hormone or vitamin, that stimulates cell growth and division.

Contact Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism that functions to keep cells growing in a monolayer; cells stop dividing when they come into contact with each other.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various cell types and have the potential for growth and repair.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory pathways that ensure each stage of the cell cycle is completed accurately before the next phase begins.

G0 Phase

A resting phase where cells are not actively preparing to divide, but can re-enter the cell cycle under certain conditions.

Biosynthesis

The process by which living organisms produce complex molecules from simple ones, essential for cell growth and division.