Cell Cycle and Chromosome Structure Quiz

A single, circular molecule of DNA that contains most of the genetic information in prokaryotic cells.

Multiple, linear molecules of DNA that contain the genetic information of eukaryotic cells.

A complex of DNA and proteins, primarily histones, found in eukaryotic cells.

Bead-like structures formed by DNA tightly coiled around histone proteins in eukaryotic cells.

A duplicated chromosome with supercoiled chromatin, often seen as an 'X' shape during cell division.

The process of tightly packing DNA into chromosomes, which helps to ensure equal division of genetic material during cell division.

The process of separating chromosomes evenly into two daughter cells during cell division.

The difference in chromosome structure between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.

The process by which a cell grows, prepares for division, and then divides to form two daughter cells.

A type of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

The genetic material of a cell, composed of a long, double-stranded molecule of DNA.

Two identical copies of a chromosome that are joined together at the centromere.

The constricted region of a chromosome where the two sister chromatids are joined together.

Coiled structures formed when nucleosomes are packed together even more tightly.

Proteins that help package and organize DNA into chromosomes.

The stage in the cell cycle where the cell grows and copies its DNA before dividing.

The phase of interphase when DNA is replicated, creating two identical copies of each chromosome.

The phase of interphase after DNA replication, where the cell prepares for mitosis.

The phase of the cell cycle during which the cell divides its nucleus into two identical nuclei.

The first stage of mitosis where the chromosomes condense and become visible.

The stage of mitosis where the chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell.

The stage of mitosis where the sister chromatids, the replicated chromosomes, are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

The final stage of mitosis where the nuclei form around the chromosomes at each pole, resulting in two identical nuclei.

The process by which cells divide and produce new cells.

The regulation of the cell cycle ensures that cells divide in an orderly and controlled manner.

Disruption of normal cell cycle control can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, such as in cancer.

Certain cells, like muscle and nerve cells, stop dividing after they mature, while others, such as blood cells, skin cells, and digestive tract cells, continue dividing throughout life.

When cells in a culture come into contact with each other, they usually stop dividing.

When cells are scraped off a culture dish, the remaining cells start dividing again until they make contact with other cells.

Injury triggers rapid cell division at the damaged site, leading to tissue repair.

After the healing process is complete, the rate of cell division slows down and control is restored to normal.

The ability of a cell to develop into any kind of cell in the body, including those that form the placenta and extra-embryonic membranes.

A hollow ball of cells that forms during early human development, containing an inner cell mass.

The cluster of cells inside the blastocyst that will eventually develop into the embryo.

The process by which a cell becomes specialized and acquires a specific function.

Cells that can develop into many, but not all, types of cells in the body.

Cells that have reached a point where they cannot further differentiate into other cell types.

A fertilized egg cell, the first cell of a new organism.

The process by which a single fertilized egg cell develops into various specialized cells.

Stem cell research using human embryos is considered unethical by some due to concerns about the moral status of an embryo, while others support it as essential for advancing medical treatments and saving lives.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are created by reprogramming adult cells (e.g., fibroblasts) to behave like embryonic stem cells. This breakthrough eliminates the need for embryonic stem cells and addresses ethical concerns.

iPS cell research is considered a significant advancement in cell biology, as it allows scientists to study and potentially treat diseases without relying on embryonic stem cells, addressing ethical issues related to their use.

Shinya Yamanaka's work in reprogramming adult cells into iPS cells is considered groundbreaking and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012. His research paved the way for new therapeutic approaches and ethical solutions in stem cell research.

The discovery of iPS cells is a direct outcome of John Gurdon's work on cloning frogs. Gurdon showed that the nucleus of an adult cell can be reprogrammed to develop into an embryo. Yamanaka's work built upon this by finding the specific conditions for reprogramming adult cells into iPS cells.

iPS cells can potentially replace embryonic stem cells in research and therapy, offering a more ethical and readily available source for studying and treating diseases.

The reprogramming process involves introducing specific transcription factors (genes) into adult cells, which then alter the expression of genes and ultimately change the cell's identity.

iPS cells hold promise for treating a wide range of diseases, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries, as they can differentiate into various cell types needed for repair and regeneration.