Cell Cycle and Division

Cell Cycle

Interphase

• Cell grows and prepares for cell division
• Three stages:
  1. G1 (Gap 1): Cell growth, replication of organelles
  2. S (Synthesis): DNA replication
  3. G2 (Gap 2): Preparation for cell division, organelle replication

Cytokinesis

• Process of cell division that occurs after mitosis
• Cytoplasm divides, and cell splits into two daughter cells
• Occurs in two stages:
  1. Cleavage: Cell constricts, and cytoplasm divides
  2. Cytokinesis completion: Cell separates, and new cell membranes form

Cell Division Regulation

• Checkpoints: Mechanisms to ensure correct progression through the cell cycle
  • G1 checkpoint: Verify DNA integrity and sufficient growth
  • G2 checkpoint: Verify DNA replication and repair
  • Spindle checkpoint: Verify proper spindle formation
• Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs): Enzymes that regulate the cell cycle
• CDK inhibitors: Proteins that regulate CDK activity

Spindle Formation

• Spindle fibers: Microtubules that separate chromosomes during mitosis
• Centrioles: Organelles that form spindle fibers
• Kinetochore: Region on the chromosome where spindle fibers attach
• Microtubule-organizing center (MTOC): Region that organizes spindle fibers

Cancer Biology

• Uncontrolled cell growth and division
• Genetic mutations: Alterations in DNA that disrupt cell cycle regulation
• Tumor suppressors: Genes that regulate the cell cycle and prevent cancer
• Oncogenes: Genes that promote cell growth and division

Cell Biology

• Cells are the basic units of life
• Cell structure: Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles
• Cellular processes: Metabolism, signaling, and cell division

Basic Genetics and Molecular Biology

• DNA: Genetic material that contains instructions for cell growth and division
• Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins
• Gene expression: Process by which genes are transcribed and translated into proteins

Plant Biology

• Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts
• Plant cell division: Similar to animal cell division, but with some differences
• Meristems: Regions of undifferentiated cells that give rise to new tissues

General Oncology

• Cancer types: Carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, and lymphomas
• Cancer diagnosis: Imaging, biopsy, and laboratory tests
• Cancer treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy

Cell Cycle

Interphase

• Cell grows and prepares for cell division
• Three stages of interphase: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), and G2 (Gap 2)
• G1: Cell growth, replication of organelles
• S: DNA replication
• G2: Preparation for cell division, organelle replication

Cytokinesis

• Process of cell division that occurs after mitosis
• Cytoplasm divides, and cell splits into two daughter cells
• Two stages of cytokinesis: cleavage and cytokinesis completion
• Cleavage: Cell constricts, and cytoplasm divides
• Cytokinesis completion: Cell separates, and new cell membranes form

Cell Division Regulation

Checkpoints

• Mechanisms to ensure correct progression through the cell cycle
• Three checkpoints: G1, G2, and spindle
• G1 checkpoint: Verify DNA integrity and sufficient growth
• G2 checkpoint: Verify DNA replication and repair
• Spindle checkpoint: Verify proper spindle formation

Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs)

• Enzymes that regulate the cell cycle
• CDK inhibitors: Proteins that regulate CDK activity

Spindle Formation

• Spindle fibers: Microtubules that separate chromosomes during mitosis
• Centrioles: Organelles that form spindle fibers
• Kinetochore: Region on the chromosome where spindle fibers attach
• Microtubule-organizing center (MTOC): Region that organizes spindle fibers

Cancer Biology

• Uncontrolled cell growth and division
• Genetic mutations: Alterations in DNA that disrupt cell cycle regulation
• Tumor suppressors: Genes that regulate the cell cycle and prevent cancer
• Oncogenes: Genes that promote cell growth and division

Cell Biology

• Cells are the basic units of life
• Cell structure: Plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and organelles
• Cellular processes: Metabolism, signaling, and cell division

Basic Genetics and Molecular Biology

• DNA: Genetic material that contains instructions for cell growth and division
• Genes: Segments of DNA that code for proteins
• Gene expression: Process by which genes are transcribed and translated into proteins

Plant Biology

• Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts
• Plant cell division: Similar to animal cell division, but with some differences
• Meristems: Regions of undifferentiated cells that give rise to new tissues

General Oncology

• Cancer types: Carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, and lymphomas
• Cancer diagnosis: Imaging, biopsy, and laboratory tests
• Cancer treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy