WEEK 10 (Cell division) Flashcards
What is the function of the cell cycle?
- Duplicate the vast amount of DNA in the chromosomes
- Segregate the DNA into genetically identical daughter cells so each cell receives a complete copy of the entire genome
Why do cells duplicate its other macromolecules and organelles and doubles in size before it divides?
Otherwise each time a cell splits it would get smaller and smaller
What are the four stages of the cell cycle?
- G1 PHASE
- S PHASE
- G2 PHASE
- M PHASE
Which phases are in Interphase?
- G1PHASE (Increases in size)
- S PHASE (DNA Replication)
- G2 PHASE (Prepares to divide)
[At particular points in G1 and G2, the cell decides whether to proceed to the next phase or pause to allow more time to prepare]
What is the importance of Interphase?
- Cell continues to transcribe genes, synthesise proteins and grow in mass
- Provide time needed for the cell to grow and duplicate its cytoplasmic organelles
What is the G zero phase/Resting phase?
A period in the cell cycle in which cells exist in a quiescent state
What is the difference between Liver cells and Nerve & muscle cells in a quiescent state?
Liver cells in the G zero phase = can be “called back” to cell cycle by external cues
Nerve & muscle cells in the G zero phase = arrested in that phase and can never divide
When are cells during the cell cycle put in the ‘Resting phase’?
- Enough cells
- Mutation in the cell that needs to be fixed before differentiation
- Cell during its division gets damaged
What is the function of checkpoints in the cell-cycle?
Ensures that key processes in the cycle occur in the proper sequence
What are the three checkpoints in the cell cycle?
- G1 CHECKPOINT = determines whether the cell proceeds to the S phase
- G2 CHECKPOINT = determines whether the cell proceeds to mitosis
- M CHECKPOINT = determines whether the cell is ready to pull the duplicated chromosomes apart and segregate them into two new daughter cells
How do cells know when to divide?
Cell communication signals (Activators & Inhibitors)
What is the function of Cyclin-dependent Kinases (CDKs)?
- Phosphorylates cellular proteins
- Activates or inactivates proteins
What is the function of the CDK-Cyclin complex?
Triggers passage through different stages of cell cycle
What are Cyclins?
Proteins that regulate cell division and control the progression of cells through the cell cycle by activating cyclin dependent kinases enzymes
When is Cyclin-B made?
In G2 phase and M-phases of the cell cycle and combines with CDK1 to form the M-phase Promoting Factor (MPF)
Describe how Timothy Hunt discovered cyclins
By studying the fertilisation of sea urchin eggs he found that one protein had disappeared at the end of cell division and appeared again at the next round of division -> Concluded that “CYCLIN” protein was driving the cell cycle
What is the function of The cell-cycle control system?
The cell-cycle control system governs the CELL-CYCLE MACHINERY by cyclically activating and then inactivating the key proteins and protein complexes that INITIATE and REGULATE DNA replication, mitosis and cytokineses through PHOSPHORYLATION (PROTEIN KINASES) and DEPHOSPHORYLATION (PROTEIN PHOSPHATASES)
_________________ are present in proliferating cells throughout the cell cycle but are activated only at appropriate times in the cell cycle
Protein Kinases
[Although enzymatic activity of the cyclin-cdk complex rises and falls during the course of the cell cycle, the concentration of the CDK DOES NOT but concentration of CYCLINS DOES]
Describe the mechanism of Cyclin
- Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) must bind CYCLIN before it can become enzymatically active
- Active cyclin-Cdk complex PHOSPHORYLATES key proteins in the cell that are required to initiate cell cycle
- CYCLIN helps direct the Cdk to the target proteins