11: Cell Cycle and Division Flashcards
What is mitotic cell division?
Mitotic cell division is a cell division process in which one parent cell divides into two daughter cells.
How is genetic information stored inside the cell?
Genetic information is carried in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Inside the nucleus, DNA molecules coil around some proteins to form chromosomes.
What are the characteristics of chromatin and their advantages?
Chromatin are fibres containing DNA and protein molecules in a dispersed form. This structure allows DNA to be replicated, genetic information to be read, and proteins to be synthesised.
What are the similarities and differences between chromosomes and chromatin?
Similarities: both contain DNA and protein molecules. / both store genetic information.
Differences: chromatin are less compact / more disperse while chromosomes are shorter, thicker, and more compact. Chromosomes are more highly coiled than chromatin.
What is the advantage of the compact structure of chromosomes?
In this form, chromosomes can be moved into the daughter cells more easily without tangling during cell division.
How many DNA molecules does a chromosome in duplicated state contain?
2
What are the similarities and differences between a chromosome in duplicated state and a chromosome not in duplicated state?
Similarity: Both types of chromosome have one centromere.
Difference: a chromosome in duplicated state contains two DNA molecules stored in two genetically identical sister chromatids, while a chromosome not in duplicated state only contains 1 DNA molecule.
What is the difference between the two sister chromatids on one chromosome in duplicated state and two chromosomes not in duplicated state?
The two sister chromatids share one centromere and are collectively called “one chromosome (in duplicated state), while the two chromosomes have two centromeres. / After the separation of sister chromatids, the two chromatids are called chromosomes.
How many chromosomes do humans have in our somatic cells?
46
What are the characteristics of homologous chromosomes?
- The two members in each pair have the same size and shape (except for pair 23 in males).
- One of them, called the paternal chromosome, comes from the male parent. The other, called the maternal chromosome, comes from the female parent.
What is the difference between diploid and haploid cells?
Diploid cells contain two sets of chromosomes (2n). They contain both members of each homologous pair of chromosomes. The body cells / somatic cells of most organisms are diploid.
Haploid cells contain one set of chromosomes (n). They only contain one member of each homologous pair. The sex cells / gametes are haploid.
Is there relationship between the number of chromosomes and the complexity of the organism?
no
What is the cell cycle?
The cell cycle is a sequence of events that take place from the time a cell is formed from its parent cell until its own division into two cells.
Why do cells need to divide?
As a cell grows, the surface area to volume ratio decreases. As a result, there is slower exchange of materials and higher rate of consumption of nutrients + production of waste. This is inefficient as the cell cannot obtain enough nutrients and there will be a lot of waste accumulated. Dividing increases the surface area to volume ratio again to restore the efficiency of the cells.
What are the names of 5 stages in the cell cycle?
interphase: G1 phase, S phase, G2 phase
mitotic cell division: mitosis, cytokinesis
What are the key events happening in the G1 phase in interphase of mitotic cell division?
Organelles and proteins and synthesised.
What are the key events happening in the S phase in interphase of mitotic cell division?
The genetic material is synthesised and replicated, the centromere is synthesised.
What are the key events happening in the G2 phase in interphase of mitotic cell division?
The cell grows to maximum size and organelles and proteins continue to be synthesised.
What are the key events happening in the interphase of mitotic cell division?
The cell carries out its functions within the organism. It also synthesises proteins, produce new organelles, grows to maximum size, and carries out DNA replication to prepare for cell division.
List 2 types of cells that cannot undergo mitotic cell division.
neurones, red blood cells
What is the difference between mitotic cell division and mitosis?
Mitotic cell division refers to the whole process of a parent cell dividing to form two daughter cells, which includes mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis specifically refers to the nuclear division taking place in mitotic cell division.
What are the properties of the daughter cells formed from mitotic cell division?
They are genetically identical.
What are the names of the 4 stages of mitosis?
prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
How can a cell in interphase be identified in a light microscope?
the chromosomes are not visible, existing as a mass of fibres (chromatin).
What are the key events taking place in the prophase of mitosis?
Chromosomes (in their duplicated state) shorten and thicken, becoming visible. The nuclear membrane breaks down.
What are the key events taking place in the metaphase of mitosis?
Chromosomes (in their duplicated state) line up in single file in the middle of the cell on the equator. Spindle fibres attach to the chromosomes.
What are the key events taking place in the anaphase of mitosis?
The spindle fibres contract, separating sister chromatids, which move to opposite poles of the cell. The cytoplasm starts to divide.