Cell Biology Chapter

Cell Biology

• Chromosome is a thread-like structure made up of chromatin
• Chromatid is a replicated chromosome that is connected to its sister chromatid at the centromere
• Chromatin is a complex of DNA, histone proteins, and non-histone proteins
• Centromere is the region where the sister chromatids are connected
• Telomere is the region at the end of a chromosome
• Histone is a protein that DNA wraps around to form chromatin
• Homologous chromosomes are pairs of chromosomes that have the same genes and are similar in structure
• Autosome is a non-sex chromosome
• Sex-linked trait is a characteristic that is influenced by genes on the sex chromosomes

Mitosis

• Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell
• Centriole is a structure that helps to organize the spindle fibers during mitosis
• Parent cell is the original cell that divides into two daughter cells
• Daughter cell is the resulting cell from mitosis
• Somatic cell is a non-reproductive cell that undergoes mitosis
• Cell division checkpoint is a mechanism that ensures the cell is ready to divide
• Spindle fibers are structures that separate the chromosomes during mitosis
• Spindle fibers perform the following tasks: separate chromosomes, align them at the center, and move them to the poles
• Mitosis results in two daughter cells with identical genetic material
• Daughter cells are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell

Cancer

• Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division
• Metastasize is when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body
• Tumor is a mass of abnormal cells
• Apoptosis is programmed cell death, which is a normal process that prevents cancer
• Oncogene is a gene that has the potential to cause cancer
• Proto-oncogene is a normal gene that can become an oncogene if mutated
• Cancer cells have characteristics such as uncontrolled growth, immortality, and invasive behavior
• Cell checkpoints can prevent cancer by stopping the cell cycle when DNA is damaged

Genetics and Ecology

Cancer & Genetics

• Cancer is caused by genetic mutations that disrupt normal cell division and growth
• Cancer is related to genetics because genetic mutations can lead to cancer
• Cell checkpoints can prevent cancer by stopping the cell cycle when DNA is damaged
• There are four types of cancer treatments: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy
• Two types of cancer treatments identify cells based on location: surgery and radiation

Meiosis

• Meiosis is the process of cell division that results in four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell
• Recombination or crossing over occurs in prophase I of meiosis
• Independent assortment occurs in metaphase I and II of meiosis
• Gamete is a reproductive cell that has undergone meiosis
• Zygote is the cell that results from the fusion of two gametes
• Meiosis creates genetic variation in offspring through crossing over, independent assortment, and random fertilization
• Four daughter cells are created in meiosis, each with unique genetic material
• Daughter cells are genetically unique to each other and to the parent cell

Genetics

• Patterns of inheritance include sex-linked, autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and sex-influenced
• Pedigrees can be used to identify patterns of inheritance
• Punnett squares can be used to model monohybrid and dihybrid crosses

Ecology

Cicadas

• Periodicity is the long-term cycle of cicada populations
• Cicadas have evolved periodicity to avoid predators and ensure reproduction
• Cicadas spend 13-17 years underground, 4-6 weeks above ground, and 1-2 months as adults

Lesson 2: Community Ecology

• R-selection and K-selection are two strategies for population growth
• Types of interspecies relationships include predator-prey, mutualism, and commensalism
• Population curves can be logistic or exponential
• Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can support
• Succession is the process of community change over time
• There are three stages of succession: initial, intermediate, and complex community

Lesson 3: Biogeochemical Cycles

• Carbon cycle involves the movement of carbon between the atmosphere, oceans, and land
• Carbon sinks are areas where carbon is stored, such as oceans and forests
• Carbon sources are areas where carbon is released, such as fossil fuels and volcanic eruptions
• Global warming is caused by an increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• Nitrogen cycle involves the movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, oceans, and land
• Nitrogen fixation is the process of converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form
• Eutrophication is the process of excess nutrients in an ecosystem, leading to algae growth and oxygen depletion