Cell Division and Cancer Effects

Cell Division

• Mitosis consists of four stages: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, followed by cytokinesis.
• Meiosis occurs in gametes, halving the chromosome number, promoting genetic variability through crossing over and independent assortment.

Impact of Cancer

• Physical effects include symptoms that impair daily life for patients.
• Emotional consequences include increased stress, anxiety, and depression for both patients and families.
• Cancer treatment imposes financial burdens on families, affecting their quality of life.
• Societal implications include heightened healthcare costs and reduced productivity due to illness.

Importance of Cellular Study

• Understanding cellular structure and function is crucial for comprehending life.
• Cellular processes impact individual lives and societal health, especially in relation to diseases like cancer.
• Knowledge of cellular mechanisms drives medical advancements and treatment improvements.

Zoology and Biological Principles

• Zoology is the scientific study of animal life, essential for understanding animal existence and complexity.
• Science organizes knowledge systematically, relying on the scientific method involving observation and empirical testing.
• Life is characterized by attributes such as chemical uniqueness, complexity, reproduction, and hierarchical organization.

Hierarchical Organization of Life

• Life is organized from subatomic particles to the biosphere, including macromolecules, cells, organisms, populations, and species.

Branches of Zoology

• Subdivisions include:
  • Entomology: Study of insects
  • Ichthyology: Study of fish
  • Ornithology: Study of birds
• Each branch enhances understanding of specific taxa and ecological interactions.

General Properties of Living Things

• Chemical uniqueness includes complex molecular organization with macromolecules: nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
• Complexity arises through hierarchical organization with emergent properties at biological levels.
• Reproduction occurs at various levels, ensuring gene replication and species formation.
• Metabolism consists of processes for energy production and molecule synthesis.
• Development encompasses life cycles from origin to maturity.

Chemistry of Life

• It explores the structural relationships of biomolecules, emphasizing the roles of molecules and compounds.
• Molecules are formed from like atoms; compounds arise from different atoms.
• Chemical reactions involve breaking and forming bonds, categorized as synthesis or decomposition reactions.
• Key reactions: Dehydration (removes water to form bonds) and hydrolysis (adds water to break bonds).

Organic vs Inorganic Compounds

• Inorganic compounds lack carbon; organic compounds contain carbon, mainly in covalent bonds.

Major Classes of Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; categorized into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides for energy storage and structure.
• Lipids: High carbon and hydrogen ratios; types include triglycerides (energy storage), phospholipids (cell membranes), and steroids (hormones).
• Proteins: Made up of amino acids; functions include enzymes for biochemical reactions and structural support.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA serve as life’s blueprint, composed of nucleotides that involve nitrogenous bases, sugars, and phosphates.

Cell Theory

• Established in the 17th century by Robert Hooke, emphasizing that:
  • All organisms are composed of cells.
  • Cells are the smallest units of life.
  • Cells arise from pre-existing cells.
• Represents continuity of life through cellular division.

Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic Cells

• Prokaryotic Cells: No membrane-bound nucleus; genetic material in a nucleoid; includes archaea and bacteria.
• Eukaryotic Cells: Membrane-bound nucleus; more complex with compartmentalized functions through organelles.

Cell Anatomy and Function

• Cells consist of three primary regions: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus.
• Plasma membrane operates via the fluid-mosaic model; it acts as a barrier with a phospholipid bilayer.
• Microvilli enhance surface area, while membrane junctions facilitate communication and structural integrity.

Cellular Physiology: Membrane Transport

• Passive Transport requires no energy (diffusion, osmosis).
• Active Transport necessitates energy to move substances against concentration gradients.
• Selective permeability maintains internal balance (homeostasis).

Cell Cycle

• Consists of Interphase (G1, S, G2—growth and metabolism) and Mitosis (cell division for growth and repair).

Explore the stages of cell division, including prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis, with a focus on meiosis and its role in genetic variability. Additionally, discover the physical and emotional impacts of cancer on patients and their families.