Stem Cells and Mitosis Flashcards
What is the cell cycle?
An organised series of events involving the growth of a cell and its division into two genetically identical daughter cells.
What are the three stages of the cell cycle?
- Interphase
- Mitosis
- Cytokinesis
What occurs during interphase?
The cell undergoes normal growth and prepares for cell division.
What are the three phases of interphase?
- Gap 1 (G1)
- Synthesis (S)
- Gap 2 (G2)
What happens during the G1 phase?
The cell grows to its maximum size and checks its health.
What is the S phase responsible for?
DNA replication, where DNA unwinds and separates into single strands.
What are chromatids?
Two identical DNA molecules created during the S phase that remain attached at the centromere.
What occurs in the G2 phase?
The cell synthesises extra copies of organelles and proteins needed for division.
What are the stages of mitosis?
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
What happens during prophase?
Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the spindle forms.
What occurs during metaphase?
Chromosomes migrate to the cell’s equator and attach to spindle fibres.
What happens during anaphase?
Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
What occurs during telophase?
Chromosomes congregate, the spindle breaks down, and nuclear membranes form.
What is cytokinesis?
The process where the entire cell divides, forming two new daughter cells.
What are stem cells?
Undifferentiated cells that can divide and specialize into different cell types.
Where are stem cells found?
In almost all tissues of the body.
What is the role of stem cells in tissue maintenance?
They are required for the maintenance of tissue and repair after injury.
How do stem cells undergo self-renewal?
Some daughter cells remain as stem cells after mitosis.
What happens to some daughter cells after mitosis?
They differentiate into specialised cell types.
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
- Mitosis: important for growth and replacing damaged cells
- Meiosis: contributes to genetic variability and creates sex cells.
What are the important properties of stem cells?
- Able to self-renew
- Able to differentiate into other cell types.
Fill in the blank: Stem cells are _______ that can divide and specialize into different cell types.
[undifferentiated cells]
