Questions and Answers
What is cancer?
Disease of unregulated cell division: cells divide inappropriately and accumulate, potentially forming a tumor.
What is Taxol?
A highly effective chemotherapy agent extracted from the Pacific yew tree that interferes with microtubule organization.
What does cell division involve?
The process by which a cell reproduces itself, important for normal growth, development, and repair.
Why do normal, healthy cells divide?
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What is asexual reproduction?
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What is sexual reproduction?
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What is the cell cycle?
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What happens during the preparatory phase?
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What is interphase?
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What occurs during mitosis?
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What is the role of the centromere?
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What is cytokinesis?
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What are the phases of mitosis?
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What happens in prophase?
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What defines metaphase?
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What occurs during anaphase?
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What happens in telophase?
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What is the purpose of the mitotic spindle?
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What are cell cycle checkpoints?
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What is a mutation?
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What is a tumor?
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How does cancer kill?
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What is metastasis?
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What is radiation therapy?
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Study Notes
Cancer
- A disease characterized by unregulated cell division, leading to inappropriate cell accumulation.
- Treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy.
Taxol
- A chemotherapy agent derived from the Pacific yew tree.
- disrupts microtubule organization, preventing their shortening and causing chromatids to stay together.
Cell Division
- A crucial process allowing cells to reproduce for growth, development, and repair.
- Chemotherapy drugs impact this process by obstructing DNA replication and chromosomal separation.
Reasons for Normal Cell Division
- Facilitates growth and development during embryonic stages.
- Replaces old or dead cells.
- Aids in wound healing.
Asexual Reproduction
- Produces genetically identical offspring from a single parent.
- Involves complete inheritance of parental genes.
Sexual Reproduction
- Results in offspring genetically similar but with variations due to genetic recombination from two parents.
Cell Cycle
- An ordered series of stages involving preparatory and division phases.
- Transforms one cell into two identical daughter cells.
Preparatory Phase
- Involves copying of cellular components, including organelles and DNA.
- Ensures each new cell has a complete set of genetic material.
Interphase
- The longest phase of the cell cycle where preparations for division occur.
- Divided into three sub-phases: G1, S, and G2.
G1, S, G2 Phases
- G1: Cell growth and cytoplasmic component increase.
- S: DNA replication occurs, duplicating chromosomes.
- G2: Final preparations for cell division are made.
Division Phase
- Comprises mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis
- Involves equal division of chromosomes and separation of sister chromatids.
- Results in two genetically identical chromosomes in each daughter cell.
Sister Chromatids
- Identical DNA molecules resulting from chromosome duplication during the S phase.
Centromere
- The specialized chromosome region where sister chromatids are joined.
- Essential for correct chromatid alignment and separation during mitosis.
Cytokinesis
- The process where the enlarged cell divides into two complete daughter cells.
- Each daughter cell retains a full DNA complement.
Phases of Mitosis
- Consists of Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis.
Prophase
- Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, nucleolus disappears, centrioles move apart, and mitotic spindle begins formation.
Metaphase
- Chromosomes align along the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate, ensuring equal distribution during separation.
Anaphase
- Paired chromosomes move to opposite sides as kinetochores pull them along microtubules.
Telophase
- Chromatids reach poles, new nuclear membranes develop, chromosomes disperse, and spindle fibers break down.
Cytokinesis Steps
- In animal cells, a contractile ring pinches the cell into two.
- In plant cells, a cell plate forms between daughter cells due to their rigid walls.
Mitotic Spindle
- The microtubule structure responsible for separating sister chromatids during mitosis.
- Attach to the centromere through kinetochore proteins.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints
- Regulatory mechanisms that ensure proper progression through the cell cycle.
- Critical for accuracy and prevention of errors in cell division.
Mutation
- A change in DNA nucleotide sequence, which can be repaired or lead to apoptosis if damage persists.
Tumor
- A cellular mass formed due to uncontrolled cell division.
How Cancer Kills
- Cancerous cells invade normal tissues, crowding out healthy cells, and release harmful substances.
Metastasis
- The process by which cancer cells spread from their original site to new locations in the body.
Radiation Therapy
- Uses high-energy radiation to destroy dividing cells, damage DNA, and induce apoptosis.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Biology Chapter 9. This chapter covers essential concepts related to cancer and its treatment methods, including the role of chemotherapy agents such as Taxol. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of cancer biology.