The Mitotic Cell Cycle Flashcards
Why is DNA acidic?
Due to present phosphate groups
How is DNA neutralised in bacterial cells and in eukaryotic cells?
Spermidine and spermine as well as Ca and Mg ions
Eukaryotic cells have basic amino acid residues that can take up H ions (to form NH2) and form positive charges which neutralise the negative charges of the DNA.
When are chromosomes seen?
During nuclear division only as they are also intensely staining and very compact
What is the structure of a chromosome?
-DNA
-Histones
-Centromere
-Telomere
-Sister chromatids
What are histones?
Globular proteins whose role is to organise and condense the DNA molecule tightly so it fits into the nucleus
What other proteins are present in the nucleus?
Enzymes that are used in DNA replication and repair
What is a chromosome?
A long structure made up of coiled DNA associated with protein, by which genetic information is passed down from one generation to the next.
What forms when DNA is wrapped around a histone?
Nucleosome
Why is it essential to have identical sister chromatids?
So that during the nuclear division, each sister chromatid will go into a daughter cell to form genetically identical daughter cells.
During when are sister chromatids formed?
During the S phase in DNA replication
What is mitosis?
The nuclear division of a cell to form two genetically identical nuclei to go into two genetically identical daughter cells.
Mitosis is essential for:
- Growth
- Repair and replacement of worn out or dead cells/tissue
- Asexual reproduction
How is DNA packaged?
- The DNA molecule wraps around histones to form nucleosomes
- The ‘beaded’ DNA coils around itself in a solenoid structure to form chromatin
- Undergoes looping
- Undergoes further looping and coiling
- Chromatin becomes more compact and forms the characteristic chromosome that can be seen under an electron microscope
Why do the chromosomes exist as unwound structures in non-dividing cells?
So that the genes are accessible for transcription
What is the mitotic cell cycle?
A regulated sequence of events that occur between one cell division and the next with intermediate periods of growth.
What are the three phases of the mitotic cell cycle?
- Interphase
- Mitosis (nuclear division)
- Cytokinesis (cytoplasmic/cell division)
What triggers the movement from one phase to the next in the mitotic cell cycle?
Chemical signals known as cyclins
What phases exist in interphase?
- G1 phase
- G0 phase
- S phase
- G2 phase
What happens in G1 phase?
(The longest phase)
-cells increase in size
-produce RNA
-synthesize proteins required for replication
-organelles replicated
-some cells specialize and will not divide again
What happens in G0 phase?
-Cell be remain metabolically active/continue performing its usual functions but stop dividing
-This may be permanent (cell dies) or temporary (continues to divide later)
What happens at the G1 checkpoint?
Checks whether the cell is big enough and the environment stable enough to continue division.
What happens in the S phase?
-DNA replicates
-Goes from 2N to 4N
-The chromosomes now consist of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere
Which cells stop dividing at G0?
-Nerve cells
-Brain cells
-RBCs
-Heart cells
What happens at the G2 checkpoint?
Checks if the environment is suitable, the DNA replicated and if the cell is big enough. There is also error checking of replicated DNA and reparation.
There must also be sufficient energy reserves for mitosis. If absent, more energy reserves are produced and organelles replicated.
What happens during cytokinesis in animal cells?
The cell membrane invaginates at the centre under the action of microfilaments to form a cleavage furrow which will result in the complete separation of the two daughter cells.
What happens during cytokinesis in plant cells?
-Golgi apparatus releases carbohydrate containing vesicles (cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin) that line up at the cell plate
-Vesicles fuse together to form a cell plate
-Cell plate extends to the plasma membrane of the whole parent cell to form two daughter cells
-Carbohydrates in the vesicles form the middle lamella