Cell Cycle Regulation Quiz

Study Notes

The cell cycle consists of three stages: interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis
Regulation occurs through checkpoints to ensure proper progression
Checkpoints:
- G1 checkpoint: ensures adequate cell growth and DNA replication
- G2 checkpoint: ensures complete DNA replication and preparation for mitosis
- Spindle checkpoint: ensures proper spindle fiber attachment to chromosomes
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins regulate the cell cycle
CDK inhibitors (CKIs) and retinoblastoma protein (Rb) also play a role in regulation

Chromosome segregation occurs during mitosis and meiosis
Chromosomes condense and attach to spindle fibers during prophase
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles during anaphase
Chromosomes uncoil and form interphase nuclei during telophase
Errors in chromosome segregation can lead to aneuploidy or genetic abnormalities

Cytokinesis is the physical separation of the cytoplasm
Occurs in two stages:
1. Cleavage: the cytoplasm divides and the cell pinches in
2. Furrowing: the cell splits into two daughter cells
Cytokinesis occurs differently in animal and plant cells
In animal cells, the cleavage furrow forms and the cell divides
In plant cells, the cell plate forms and the cell divides

Genetic recombination is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes
Occurs during meiosis I
Increases genetic diversity by shuffling genes between chromosomes
Recombination nodules form between homologous chromosomes and facilitate exchange
Errors in recombination can lead to genetic abnormalities or infertility

Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized for specific functions
Involves changes in gene expression and cellular structure
Differentiation occurs through a series of developmental stages:
1. Determination: cells become committed to a specific fate
2. Specification: cells acquire specific characteristics
3. Morphogenesis: cells take on specific shapes and structures
Cell signaling pathways, such as Notch and Wnt, regulate differentiation
Errors in differentiation can lead to developmental disorders or cancer

The cell cycle consists of three stages: interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis
Checkpoints ensure proper progression, including G1, G2, and spindle checkpoints
Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins regulate the cell cycle, while CDK inhibitors (CKIs) and retinoblastoma protein (Rb) also play a role

Chromosome segregation occurs during mitosis and meiosis
Chromosomes condense and attach to spindle fibers during prophase
Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles during anaphase
Chromosomes uncoil and form interphase nuclei during telophase
Errors in chromosome segregation can lead to aneuploidy or genetic abnormalities

Genetic recombination is the exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes
Occurs during meiosis I
Increases genetic diversity by shuffling genes between chromosomes
Recombination nodules form between homologous chromosomes and facilitate exchange
Errors in recombination can lead to genetic abnormalities or infertility

Cell differentiation is the process by which cells become specialized for specific functions
Involves changes in gene expression and cellular structure
Differentiation occurs through a series of developmental stages:
- Determination: cells become committed to a specific fate
- Specification: cells acquire specific characteristics
- Morphogenesis: cells take on specific shapes and structures
Cell signaling pathways, such as Notch and Wnt, regulate differentiation
Errors in differentiation can lead to developmental disorders or cancer