Biology Chapter 9 Flashcards

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?

For growth and development, cell replacement, and wound healing. Signup and view all the answers

What is asexual reproduction?

Produces offspring that are identical to the original cell or organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is sexual reproduction?

Produces offspring that are similar to the parents but show variations in traits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cell cycle?

An ordered sequence of stages that leads one cell to divide into two identical cells. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the preparatory phase?

The cell copies cellular contents and duplicates organelles, DNA, and cytoplasm. Signup and view all the answers

What is interphase?

The stage of the cell cycle in which cells spend most of their time preparing for cell division. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during mitosis?

Chromosomes are evenly divided and sister chromatids are separated. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the centromere?

It is the specialized region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined. Signup and view all the answers

What is cytokinesis?

The process where an enlarged cell splits into two cells, each with a full complement of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What are the phases of mitosis?

Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in prophase?

Chromatin condenses to form visible chromosomes, centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What defines metaphase?

Spindle fibers align the chromosomes along the middle of the cell nucleus. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during anaphase?

The paired chromosomes separate and move to opposite sides of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What happens in telophase?

Chromatids arrive at opposite poles, new membranes form around the daughter nuclei. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the mitotic spindle?

It separates sister chromatids during mitosis. Signup and view all the answers

What are cell cycle checkpoints?

Cellular mechanisms that regulate progression through the cell cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a mutation?

A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Signup and view all the answers

What is a tumor?

A mass of cells resulting from uncontrolled cell division. Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer kill?

It crowds out normal cells, invades other organs, and secretes poisonous chemicals. Signup and view all the answers

What is metastasis?

The spread of cancer cells from one location in the body to another. Signup and view all the answers

What is radiation therapy?

A treatment using high-energy radiation beams that kill dividing cells and damage DNA. Signup and view all the answers

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.