Cell and Molecular Biology of Cancer Flashcards
What are the phases of the cell cycle?
G1 -> S -> G2 -> M -> G0 -> G1
Interphase encompasses which phases of the cell cycle?
G1, S, G2
What occurs during the G1 phase?
No visible changes, but an increase in cell contents i.e. proteins and organelles
What occurs during the S phase?
Replication of DNA occurs, resulting in chromosomes becoming two sister chromatids
What occurs during the G2 phase?
Preparation for the division process
The “post-mitotic” state of a cell refers to which part of the cell cycle?
G0
What occurs during the M phase?
Segregation of chromosomes, followed by division to produce two daughter cells
Give examples of cells which once terminally differentiated, will never divide again
Cardiac myocytes
Neurones
What is MPF (Maturation Promoting Factor)?
A Cyclin-CDK complex which stimulates the mitotic and meiotic phases of the cell cycle
What is the checkpoint which controls movement into Mitosis?
G2-M checkpoint
What is the checkpoint which controls movement out of Mitosis?
M-G1 checkpoint
What is the restriction point also known as?
G1-S checkpoint
Define oncogene
Genes whose presence can trigger cancer development
Define tumour suppressor gene
Genes whose loss or inactivation can trigger cancer development
Burkitt’s Lymphoma is characterised by a genetic mutation in which gene?
c-Myc
