Cell Cycle (ch 12)

Question 1

what are the G1, G2, M & G0 checkpoints

Answer 1

G1: determines if division should occur
G2: checks DNA integrity
M: checks all sister chromatid are connected to kinetochore microtubules
G0: non-dividing stage of cells that have left the cycle

Question 2

Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (Cdks)

Answer 2

cell cycle regulator: protein kinases active only when bound to a cyclin molecule

Question 3

cyclin

Answer 3

cell cycle regulator: protein whose concentration fluctuates throughout the cell cycle

Question 4

maturation promoting factor (MPF)

Answer 4

cell cycle regulator: cyclin-Cdk complex involved in the G2 checkpoint

Question 5

asexual vs sexual reproduction

Answer 5

asexual: a single parent produces offspring with identical genomes (clones), through mitosis
sexual: 2 parents produce offspring with unique combinations of genes from parents, involving meiosis and fertilization

Question 6

what is the role of meiosis in generating genetic variability

Answer 6

• independent assortment: alignment of each pair of homologues can differ
• random fertilization: any sperm and fuse to any egg
• crossing over: produces recombinant chromosomes with a unique set of alleles