Cell Cycle Regulation & Cancer

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to cell cycle regulation and cancer.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Regulatory pathways that ensure the proper progression through the cell cycle.

Oncogenes

Genes that, when mutated, can contribute to unregulated cell growth and division.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that normally inhibit cell division and repair damaged DNA; mutations can lead to cancer.

Density-Dependent Inhibition

Process by which cells stop dividing when they become too crowded.

Anchorage Dependence

Requirement for cells to be attached to a surface for division.

Malignant Tumors

Tumors that invade surrounding tissues and can metastasize to other parts of the body.

Benign Tumors

Tumors that remain localized and do not invade surrounding tissues.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDK)

Enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, regulate the cell cycle.

MPF (Maturation Promoting Factor)

A cyclin-CDK complex that drives the cell's transition from G2 phase to mitosis.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

Ras Protein

A protein involved in cell signaling that, when mutated, can lead to increased cell division.

p53 Protein

A tumor suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and prevents DNA mutations.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)

A growth factor that stimulates cell division in certain cell types.

G1 Checkpoint

A control point in the cell cycle where the cell checks for size and environmental signals before DNA duplication.

G2 Checkpoint

A control point in the cell cycle that checks for complete DNA replication and readiness for mitosis.

M Checkpoint

A control point in the cell cycle that ensures all chromosomes are aligned before proceeding to anaphase.