Cell Cycle Flashcards
What is the cell cycle?
The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through as it grows and divides.
Name the main phases of the cell cycle.
The main phases of the cell cycle are Interphase and the Mitotic phase (M phase).
What happens during Interphase?
During Interphase, the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and prepares for division.
What are the three stages of Interphase?
The three stages of Interphase are G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.
What occurs in the G1 phase?
In the G1 phase, the cell grows and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA replication.
What does the ‘S’ in S phase stand for?
‘S’ in S phase stands for Synthesis, where DNA replication occurs.
What is the purpose of the G2 phase?
The G2 phase is for further growth and preparation for mitosis, including DNA repair.
What is mitosis?
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division that results in two identical daughter cells.
List the stages of mitosis.
The stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
What happens during prophase?
During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.
What occurs in metaphase?
In metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell’s equatorial plane.
What is the role of the spindle fibers during mitosis?
Spindle fibers help separate the chromosomes during mitosis.
During which phase do sister chromatids separate?
Sister chromatids separate during anaphase.
What happens during telophase?
During telophase, the chromosomes de-condense and the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes.
What is cytokinesis?
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
True or False: The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints.
True.
What are checkpoints in the cell cycle?
Checkpoints are control mechanisms that ensure the proper progression of the cell cycle.
What is the function of the G1 checkpoint?
The G1 checkpoint checks for cell size, DNA integrity, and nutrient availability.
What does the S checkpoint monitor?
The S checkpoint monitors DNA replication for errors.
What is the role of the G2 checkpoint?
The G2 checkpoint ensures that DNA has been replicated correctly before mitosis begins.
What can happen if a cell fails a checkpoint?
If a cell fails a checkpoint, it may undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) or be repaired.
What is apoptosis?
Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.
Fill in the blank: The cell cycle is crucial for ________ and ________ in organisms.
growth; repair
What is the significance of the cell cycle in multicellular organisms?
The cell cycle is important for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.
True or False: All cells divide at the same rate.
False.
Which types of cells divide more frequently?
Skin cells and blood cells divide more frequently compared to nerve cells.
What is the duration of the cell cycle in human cells?
The duration of the cell cycle in human cells can vary but typically takes about 24 hours.
What is the role of cyclins in the cell cycle?
Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).
What are CDKs?
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, drive the cell cycle forward.
Fill in the blank: The cell cycle is essential for ________ reproduction in unicellular organisms.
asexual
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis results in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis results in four genetically diverse gametes.
What type of cells undergo meiosis?
Germ cells undergo meiosis to produce gametes.
True or False: Meiosis involves two rounds of cell division.
True.
What is the end result of meiosis?
The end result of meiosis is four haploid gametes.
What is the importance of meiosis in sexual reproduction?
Meiosis increases genetic diversity through recombination and independent assortment.
What is a karyotype?
A karyotype is an image of an individual’s complete set of chromosomes.
