SB2: Cells and Control 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
What happens during prophase?
DNA condenses, chromosomes become visible. Nuclear membrane disappears.
What happens during metaphase?
Chromosomes line up along the cell equator.
What happens during anaphase?
Spindle fibres attach to each chromosome. ‘arms’ of each chromosome pulled to opposite poles. The chromatids are separated.
What happens during telophase?
The nucleus of the cell divides. A new membrane then forms around each set of chromosomes.
What happens during cytokinesis?
The 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.
What is cancer?
Uncontrolled cell division due to damaged DNA, this results in the formation of a primary tumour.
What are percentile charts?
A chart used to monitor the growth of the baby. Measurements can be compared to the expected values at a certain age. Measurements taken are: Head circumference, Weight and Length
What does the 95th percentile mean?
95% of measurements will be below the value of the 95th percentile.
What can doctors determine from percentile charts? [3 marks]
Slower growth than normal (below the bottom line). Faster growth than normal (above the top line). Abnormal growth (irregular growth patterns.)
What can doctors determine from percentile charts [3 marks]
Slower growth than normal (below the bottom line). Faster growth than normal (above the top line). Abnormal growth (irregular growth patterns).
Describe growth in animals
Cell division occurs in all body cells. It occurs at a slower rate in adults than younger animals as growth stops and cell division is only required for replacement and repair.
Describe growth in plants.
Cell division only takes place in the meristem tissue. The rate of cell division remains the same throughout the plant’s life. Cell elongation occurs in all cells. Cells expand and enlarge enabling growth of the plant.
What are stem cells?
Cells that are undifferentiated and capable of differentiating into a range of different cell types
What is meant by the term ‘differentiation’?
The process where stem cells differentiate and become specialised. This is where some genes switch on or off, determining cell type.
Why is cell differentiation important?
It enables the formation of specialised cells with specific functions. (e.g. muscle tissue)
What are embryonic stem cells?
Stem cells found in very early embryos that are undifferentiated and capable of differentiating into any cell type.
What is the function of embryonic stem cells?
Enable the growth and development of tissues in human embryos.
What are adult stem cells?
Stem cells that can differentiate into a limited range of cell types (e.g. bone marrow stem cells)
What is the primary function of adult stem cells?
Replacement of dead cells (e.g. replacement of red blood cells which only live for 120 days)
Where are stem cells found in plants?
Meristems
Where is meristem tissue found?
In regions of the plant where cells are continuously dividing (e.g. roots and shoots)
What are meristemic stem cells?
Stem cells found in meristems that are undifferentiated and are capable of differentiating into any cell type during the life of a plant.
How can stem cells be used in medicine?
Stem cells can be collected and stimulated to differentiate into specific cell types. These specialised cell types are then transplanted into the patient and used to treat damage or disease (e.g. heart disease)
Where can embryonic stem cells be collected from? [2 marks]
Donor stem cells removed from embryos grown or patient’s own stem cells removed from the umbilical blood before birth.
What are the benefits of using stem cells in medicine? [4 marks]
Treat damage or disease, Treat disease that would otherwise be untreatable, Used in scientific research & Growing organs for transplants.
What are the risks of stem cells use in medicine? [6 marks]
- Transplanted stem cells could cause tumours
- Finding suitable stem cell donors is a difficult task
- Stem cells may be rejected by the body
- Potential side effects
- Long term risks of using stem cells are unknown
- Stem cells may become contaminated during preparation and when transplanted transmit infections to the patient, making them sicker.
What are the ethical issues related to the use of stem cells in medicine? [2 marks]
The embryos that were used to provide stem cells are destroyed which is seen as unethical and a waste of potential human life. May lead to the reproductive cloning of humans.