PRIVETTE-VINNEDGE 3 Flashcards
What is the main purpose of the G2 phase?
The G2 phase ensures the DNA is replicated and undamaged before the cell enters mitosis.
How long does the G2 phase typically last?
The G2 phase is relatively short, taking only about 4 hours to complete.
What happens if DNA damage, particularly double-strand breaks, is detected during G2?
Homologous recombination DNA repair is activated, using the sister chromatid created during S phase as a template.
Which kinases are involved in mediating homologous recombination repair?
ATM/ATR kinases mediate HR repair.
What is the consequence of checkpoint activation in response to DNA damage?
Checkpoint activation inhibits the M phase cyclin-CDK complex (Cyclin B/CDK1), preventing entry into mitosis until the damage is repaired.
What triggers the transition from G2 to M phase?
An inactive DNA damage checkpoint signals that the DNA is intact and replication is complete, allowing the cell to proceed to mitosis.
Besides DNA repair, what other important processes occur during the G2 phase?
The cell accumulates essential proteins required for mitosis, including mitotic checkpoint proteins, mitotic spindle proteins (tubulins), and cytokinesis proteins.
What are centrosomes composed of?
Each centrosome consists of two centrioles.
When are centrosomes duplicated?
Centrosomes are duplicated during the S phase, initiated by cyclin E/CDK2.
When do centrosomes elongate and mature?
Centrosomes elongate and mature during the G2 phase.
What happens to the centrosomes during the M phase?
The duplicated centrosomes are separated and move to opposite poles of the cell during the M phase.
What is the master regulator of centrosome duplication?
PLK4 kinase plays a crucial role in regulating centrosome duplication.
What is another name for centrosomes?
Centrosomes are also known as microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs).
What is the primary function of centrosomes?
Centrosomes serve as the origin for microtubule nucleation and mitotic spindle pole formation.
What protein serves as a marker for centrosomes?
Gamma (γ) tubulin is a specific marker for centrosomes.
Which kinases are essential for centrosome maturation, separation, and movement to opposite poles of the cell?
Aurora kinase and Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) are critical for these centrosome-related processes.
How do centrosomes move towards the poles of the cell?
They recruit KIF11, a microtubule-dependent motor kinesin-like protein, which pushes them towards the poles.
What are the two main mitotic checkpoints?
The two main mitotic checkpoints are the Antephase (Prophase) Checkpoint and the Metaphase Checkpoint.
What does the Antephase (Prophase) Checkpoint monitor?
It checks if the mitotic spindle can develop properly by assessing microtubule polymerization and stability during prophase.
How is the activation of the Antephase Checkpoint assessed?
It’s assessed by comparing the percentage of cells in prophase versus other cell cycle stages.
What is the primary focus of the Metaphase Checkpoint?
This checkpoint determines if all sister chromatids are attached to the mitotic spindle and correctly aligned at the metaphase plate.
What molecular complex drives the Metaphase Checkpoint?
The mitotic checkpoint complex (MCC), composed of BubR1, Bub3, Mad2, and Cdc20, is responsible for this checkpoint.
How does the MCC exert its control at the Metaphase Checkpoint?
The MCC inhibits the Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC/C), preventing the separation of sister chromatids until proper attachment is ensured.
What holds sister chromatids together until the Metaphase Checkpoint is satisfied?
The Cohesin complex maintains the connection between sister chromatids.