Cell Cycle Flashcards
- When a cell is not dividing, what form is the DNA in?
In a non-dividing cell, the DNA is uncoiled and thread-like and in the form of CHROMATIN
- When a cell is about to divide, what happens to the DNA?
The chromatin CONDENSES to form shorter, coiled DNA in rod-like structures called CHROMOSOMES
- In the nucleus of human cells, what do we mean by the DIPLOID number?
The diploid number refers to the fact that chromosomes are arranged as HOMOLOGOUS PAIRS; specifically 23 pairs in us, written as 2n = 46
- What do we mean by the HAPLOID number?
The haploid number refers to the fact that only one chromosome from each homologous pair is present; in us this is true of the sex cells, and it is written as n = 23
- What do we mean by the “karyotype” of an organism?
This is the number, appearance and arrangement of the homologous chromosome pairs
- What are “histones” and “nucleosomes”
Histones are the proteins that support the DNA and nucleosomes are made from stacks of histones around which the DNA is coiled.
- What is a HOMOLOGOUS PAIR of chromosomes?
In a homologous pair, each chromosome carries genes along their length, at the same loci.
- What is the “cell cycle”?
The cell cycle represents the entire life of a diploid cell and includes G1, S and G2 (Interphase), mitosis and cytokinesis.
- What does interphase consist of?
Interphase consists of growth phase one (G1), synthesis phase (S) and growth phase 2 (G2)
- What are the key events during G1?
G1 is the first growth phase: * Synthesis of new macromolecules including proteins and nucleotides. * Organelles are produced * Cell increases in size
- What happens in S phase?
- DNA synthesis (by semi-conservative replication) occurs, resulting in each chromosome now consisting of 2 sister CHROMATIDS Histones are produced
- What are the key events in G2?
- Synthesis of spindle proteins (tubulin) * Chromosomes are checked for errors and repaired * Energy stores are increased Cell continues to increase in size
- There are several CHECKPOINTS in the cell cycle. Why are they needed?
Checkpoints regulate the cycle by checking and monitoring each stage to ensure that no errors have occurred before the process continues
- Overall, what happens during mitosis?
Mitosis is the process of NUCLEAR DIVISION, during which the chromosomes are copied and then divided between two identical daughter cells
- What are the four stages of mitosis?
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase & Telophase
- What is cytokinesis?
The division of the cell into 2 separate daughter cells at the end of mitosis.
- Where are the main checkpoints in the cell cycle?
- At the end of G1, before the s phase begins (check made on nutrient levels, check for DNA damage, check on growth factors) 2. At the end of G2, before mitosis (check on cell size and that DNA replication has occurred correctly) 3. During the metaphase stage of mitosis (check that spindle fibres are attached properly to chromosomes)
- What is Go?
If a cell fails at the G1 checkpoint, it enters Go or the “resting state” until it is ready to enter S phase (where DNA is replicated by semi-conservative replication)
- What occurs in Go?
- Some cells are very active carrying out normal cellular activities * Some cells remain permanently in G0 * Some cells will return back into the cell cycle when triggered
- What does the G2 checkpoint ensure before a cell can start mitosis?
- That DNA replication is accurate * That there is no DNA damage
- What causes cancer?
Cancer is uncontrolled cell division (mitosis) due to the failure of the regulation mechanism at the checkpoints. The cells fail to enter Go when they should.