Unit 2B: Cell Cycle Vocabulary P.L.

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering cellular differentiation, biological organization, the cell cycle phases, and cancer biology.

Differentiation

Process that creates special structures and functions

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that become differentiated into one or more types of specialized cells

Organism

One individual member of a species

Tissue

Group of cells working together for a common function

Organ System

Set of organs working together for a common function

Organ

Set of tissues working together for a common function

Cell

The most basic unit of life that has all the characteristics of life

Cell cycle

A repeated pattern of growth, DNA duplication and cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells

Interphase

The growth phase of the cell

G1 (Gap 1 phase)

Cells grow and make proteins

S (Synthesis phase)

DNA replication occurs

G2 (Gap 2 phase)

More cell growth and protein synthesis

Chromosome

One long continuous thread of DNA that consists of thousands of genes and regulatory information

Gene

A section of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein

Chromatid

One half of a duplicated chromosome

Centromere

Region of the condensed chromosomes that looks pinched

Mitosis

The division phase of the cell cycle - 1 cell becomes 2 identical daughter cells

Cytokinesis

The division of the cytoplasm into 2 individual cells

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death (ex. web fingers and toes during development)

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division

Benign

Abnormal cells that typically remain clustered together (may be harmless and easily removed)

Malignant

Cancer cells that break away from the tumor and move to other parts of the body (creates more tumors)

Metastasize

Spreading of disease from one organ to others

Carcinogen

Cancer causing agents; chemicals that cause cancer by mutating DNA