Cell Division and Growth Flashcards
What is the cell cycle?
● A series of events that take place in a cell
involving cell growth, DNA replication and
cell division
● It is described as the lifecycle of a cell
State the three stages of the cell cycle
Stage 1 - interphase
Stage 2 - mitosis
Stage 3 - cytokinesis
What is interphase?
The longest stage of the cell cycle that
involves cell growth, the synthesis of
new organelles and DNA replication
What does DNA replication involve?
● Double helix ‘unzips’ exposing two strands
● DNA bases align next to complementary bases on
the DNA strands
● Complementary base pairs join
● Two identical DNA molecules formed
What is a chromosome?
A linear DNA molecule tightly coiled
around proteins
What happens to chromosomes during DNA
replication?
The DNA in the ‘arm’ of each
chromosome (chromatid) is
replicated.
What is mitosis?
A form of cell division that produces two
diploid ‘daughter’ cells, both genetically
identical to the parent cell
Why is mitosis important in organisms?
● Asexual reproduction
● Growth
● Repair of damaged cells
● Cell replacement
State the four stages of mitosis
● Prophase
● Metaphase
● Anaphase
● Telophase
Outline prophase
● DNA condenses, chromosomes become visible
● Nuclear membrane disappears
-spindle fibres form
Outline metaphase
● Chromosomes line up along the cell equator
Outline anaphase
● Spindle fibres attach to each chromosome
● ‘Arms’ of each chromosome pulled to opposite poles
● Chromatids separated
Outline telophase
● Nucleus of the cell divides
● New membrane forms around each set of
chromosomes
What does cytokinesis involve?
● Division of the cell membrane and cytoplasm
● Two genetically identical ‘daughter’ cells
produced
A cell divides by mitosis once every 2 minutes.
Calculate the number of identical cells present after
10 minutes
10 ÷ 2 = 5
5 cell divisions have taken place
2^5 = 32 cells