Topic 2 Cells Flashcards
What are chromosomes
Long strands of DNA
What is a gene
Short section of DNA that codes for a protein and controls a characteristic
What is step 1 of cell cycle and what does it do
Interphase:
new sub-cellular structures made
DNA replicates
Step 2 of cell cycle what does it do
Prophase
- DNA condenses into chromosomes
- nuclear membrane breaks down
Stage 3 of cell cycle and what does it do
Chromosomes line up across the equator of the cell
Spindle fibres form and attach to the chromosomes
Stage 4 of cell cycle what does it do
Anaphase
-spindle fibres contract and pull apart the chromosomes to opposite sides of the cell/poles
Stage 5 of cell cycle
Telophase
-nuclear membrane forms around two sets of chromosomes
-two nuclei formed
Stage 6 cell cycle
Cytokinesis
Cytoplasm splits
Cell membrane reforms
Two, genetically identical diploid (46 chromosomes) daughter cells
How does growth occur in animals
Via cell division and differentiation
All cells differentiate at an early stage and then lose the ability
How does growth occur in plants
Elongation - controlled by auxins
Cells retain ability to differentiate throughout life
How is cancer caused
Result of mutations in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division.
The group of cells caused by this is called a tumour.
How percentile works
Baby born at 25 percentile is heavier than 75% of babies
Baby born at 75 percentile is heavier than 25% of babies
What are embryonic stem cells
Form when an egg and sperm cell fuse to form a zygote
Differentiate into any type of cell
Scientists can clone these cells and differentiate them into almost any cell
This could be used to make insulin producing cells for people with diabetes
What are adult stem cells
If found in bone marrow they can form many types of cells including blood cells
What are meristems in plants
Found in root and shoot tips
Differentiate into any type of plant, never lose ability
Can be used to make any clones of the plant: saves plants from extinction or can take a parent plant’s desirable features e.g. disease resistance
What is therapeutic cloning
An embryo being produced with the exact same genes as the patient
Can use the embryo for embryonic stem cells
Embryo could grow into cells the patient needs
Would not be rejected due to same genetic makeup
Three benefits of stem cells
Could be used to replace damaged or diseased body parts
Unwanted embryos from fertility clinics that would’ve been discarded can be used
Research into the process of differentiation
Four Problems with stem cells
Do not completely understand process of differentiation so it is hard to control stem cells to form cells we desire
Removal of stem cells result in destruction of embryo - religious issue
Money and time could be spent on other areas
If growing stem cells cell has virus or infection, it can be transferred to individual