Cell Cycle, Cell Differentiation Flashcards
What is the cell cycle?
The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division.
What are the main phases of the cell cycle?
Interphase and the mitotic phase.
True or False: The cell cycle includes both interphase and cytokinesis.
True.
What occurs during interphase?
The cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for division.
What is the G1 phase?
The first gap phase where the cell grows and synthesizes proteins.
What happens during the S phase?
DNA replication occurs, resulting in two sister chromatids for each chromosome.
What is the G2 phase?
The second gap phase where the cell prepares for mitosis.
What is mitosis?
The process of nuclear division that results in two daughter cells.
What is cytokinesis?
The division of the cytoplasm that occurs after mitosis.
Fill in the blank: The cell cycle is regulated by ______.
proteins called cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases.
What is cell differentiation?
The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.
True or False: All cells in an organism are genetically identical.
True.
What role do stem cells play in cell differentiation?
Stem cells can differentiate into various cell types depending on signals they receive.
What is apoptosis?
Programmed cell death that is a normal part of development and homeostasis.
Multiple Choice: Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily focused on growth? A) M phase B) G1 phase C) S phase
B) G1 phase.
What is the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle?
Checkpoints ensure that the cell is ready to proceed to the next phase, preventing errors.
What can happen if the cell cycle is not properly regulated?
It can lead to uncontrolled cell division and potentially cancer.
Fill in the blank: During differentiation, cells often change their ______ and ______.
structure and function.
What is the role of growth factors in cell differentiation?
They are signaling molecules that influence the differentiation process.
True or False: Differentiated cells can revert to a stem cell state.
False (generally, differentiated cells cannot revert but some can be reprogrammed).
What is a somatic cell?
Any cell of the body that is not a sperm or egg cell.
What are the two main types of cell division?
Mitosis and meiosis.
Multiple Choice: Which type of cell division reduces the chromosome number by half? A) Mitosis B) Meiosis
B) Meiosis.
How does the environment affect cell differentiation?
External signals and conditions can influence the pathway of differentiation.
What is the main purpose of the mitotic phase?
To ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.
Fill in the blank: The process of cell differentiation is essential for ______ in multicellular organisms.
development and specialization.
