Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the process of cytokinesis and when does it occur during cell division?
What is the process of cytokinesis and when does it occur during cell division?
Cytokinesis is the process of dividing the cytoplasm to form two distinct daughter cells, which begins during anaphase and continues through telophase.
Describe the role of centrioles in mitosis.
Describe the role of centrioles in mitosis.
Centrioles are involved in organizing microtubules during mitosis, helping to form the mitotic spindle that separates chromosomes.
Explain how chromatin and chromosomes are related in the context of the cell cycle.
Explain how chromatin and chromosomes are related in the context of the cell cycle.
Chromatin is the loose, uncondensed form of DNA found during interphase, which condenses into chromosomes during mitosis.
How do skin cells demonstrate the importance of mitosis in tissue regeneration?
How do skin cells demonstrate the importance of mitosis in tissue regeneration?
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Outline the stages of mitosis and briefly describe what happens in each stage.
Outline the stages of mitosis and briefly describe what happens in each stage.
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What is the significance of crossing over during meiosis?
What is the significance of crossing over during meiosis?
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Describe the outcome of meiosis compared to mitosis in terms of the number and genetic makeup of daughter cells.
Describe the outcome of meiosis compared to mitosis in terms of the number and genetic makeup of daughter cells.
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What occurs during telophase 2 of meiosis?
What occurs during telophase 2 of meiosis?
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What are the four phases of mitosis and briefly describe one of them?
What are the four phases of mitosis and briefly describe one of them?
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What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?
What is the role of centrioles during mitosis?
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Describe the process of cytokinesis and its significance.
Describe the process of cytokinesis and its significance.
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How do chromatin and chromosomes differ in structure?
How do chromatin and chromosomes differ in structure?
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Explain how mitosis contributes to tissue regeneration.
Explain how mitosis contributes to tissue regeneration.
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What is a karyotype and how is it obtained?
What is a karyotype and how is it obtained?
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What are homologous chromosomes, and why are they important?
What are homologous chromosomes, and why are they important?
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What occurs to chromatin during DNA replication?
What occurs to chromatin during DNA replication?
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Define 'allele' and explain its relevance to genetics.
Define 'allele' and explain its relevance to genetics.
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What is the significance of having 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans?
What is the significance of having 23 pairs of chromosomes in humans?
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What happens to chromatin during prophase?
What happens to chromatin during prophase?
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Describe the role of centrioles in cell division.
Describe the role of centrioles in cell division.
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Explain the process of cytokinesis.
Explain the process of cytokinesis.
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What structure do chromosomes consist of after prophase?
What structure do chromosomes consist of after prophase?
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How does the positioning of chromosomes in metaphase facilitate mitosis?
How does the positioning of chromosomes in metaphase facilitate mitosis?
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In which phase do the chromatids separate, and what are they referred to afterward?
In which phase do the chromatids separate, and what are they referred to afterward?
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What marks the end of mitosis and the beginning of cytokinesis?
What marks the end of mitosis and the beginning of cytokinesis?
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Why is DNA replication crucial during interphase?
Why is DNA replication crucial during interphase?
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How does the structure of chromatin differ from that of chromosomes?
How does the structure of chromatin differ from that of chromosomes?
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What is the significance of mitosis in tissue regeneration?
What is the significance of mitosis in tissue regeneration?
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What is the result of homologous crossing over during prophase 1 of meiosis?
What is the result of homologous crossing over during prophase 1 of meiosis?
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How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis in terms of gamete production?
How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis in terms of gamete production?
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What are the structural differences between DNA and RNA?
What are the structural differences between DNA and RNA?
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During which phase of meiosis do homologous chromosomes line up next to each other?
During which phase of meiosis do homologous chromosomes line up next to each other?
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What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?
What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?
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What are the phases of mitosis and their primary purpose?
What are the phases of mitosis and their primary purpose?
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What role do centrioles play during mitosis?
What role do centrioles play during mitosis?
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Describe the process of cytokinesis and its importance in cell division.
Describe the process of cytokinesis and its importance in cell division.
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How do chromatin and chromosome structure differ during the cell cycle?
How do chromatin and chromosome structure differ during the cell cycle?
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Explain how mitosis contributes to tissue regeneration.
Explain how mitosis contributes to tissue regeneration.
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What is the significance of the diploid number of chromosomes in somatic cells?
What is the significance of the diploid number of chromosomes in somatic cells?
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How does the process of meiosis differ from mitosis?
How does the process of meiosis differ from mitosis?
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In what way does interphase contribute to the overall cell cycle?
In what way does interphase contribute to the overall cell cycle?
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What are the consequences of errors occurring during mitosis?
What are the consequences of errors occurring during mitosis?
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How can post-translational modifications affect protein function after translation?
How can post-translational modifications affect protein function after translation?
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What is the primary outcome of meiosis in terms of genetic composition of the gametes produced?
What is the primary outcome of meiosis in terms of genetic composition of the gametes produced?
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During which stage of meiosis does homologous crossing over occur, and what is its significance?
During which stage of meiosis does homologous crossing over occur, and what is its significance?
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How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis in terms of functional gamete production?
How does spermatogenesis differ from oogenesis in terms of functional gamete production?
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What are the key structural differences between DNA and RNA?
What are the key structural differences between DNA and RNA?
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What is the role of mRNA in the process of protein synthesis?
What is the role of mRNA in the process of protein synthesis?
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What are the primary functions of globular proteins in biological processes?
What are the primary functions of globular proteins in biological processes?
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How does the proteome of a muscle cell differ from that of a skin cell?
How does the proteome of a muscle cell differ from that of a skin cell?
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What are the two main steps of gene expression and where do they occur?
What are the two main steps of gene expression and where do they occur?
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Describe the role of transcription factors in the process of transcription.
Describe the role of transcription factors in the process of transcription.
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What is the significance of the central dogma in molecular biology?
What is the significance of the central dogma in molecular biology?
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In protein synthesis, what determines the properties and functions of a protein?
In protein synthesis, what determines the properties and functions of a protein?
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What is the role of mRNA during translation?
What is the role of mRNA during translation?
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What are some examples of globular proteins mentioned in the content?
What are some examples of globular proteins mentioned in the content?
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How does the cellular DNA contribute to protein synthesis?
How does the cellular DNA contribute to protein synthesis?
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What is the difference between the coding strand and the template strand during transcription?
What is the difference between the coding strand and the template strand during transcription?
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What is the primary function of keratin in biological structures?
What is the primary function of keratin in biological structures?
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How do proteins compare to carbohydrates in terms of energy yield?
How do proteins compare to carbohydrates in terms of energy yield?
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What are the two main types of secondary protein structures?
What are the two main types of secondary protein structures?
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What determines the tertiary structure of a protein?
What determines the tertiary structure of a protein?
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What distinguishes fibrous proteins from globular proteins?
What distinguishes fibrous proteins from globular proteins?
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Describe the quaternary structure of a protein with an example.
Describe the quaternary structure of a protein with an example.
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How does the protein intake recommendation relate to total calorie consumption?
How does the protein intake recommendation relate to total calorie consumption?
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Explain the role of protein receptors in cell communication.
Explain the role of protein receptors in cell communication.
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What are the basic units that make up proteins?
What are the basic units that make up proteins?
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What impact do side chains have on protein structure?
What impact do side chains have on protein structure?
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What occurs during prophase in terms of chromatin and centrioles?
What occurs during prophase in terms of chromatin and centrioles?
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Describe the alignment of chromosomes during metaphase.
Describe the alignment of chromosomes during metaphase.
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What is the outcome of anaphase regarding chromatid separation?
What is the outcome of anaphase regarding chromatid separation?
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Explain what happens during telophase and its significance in cell division.
Explain what happens during telophase and its significance in cell division.
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What role do spindle fibres play during mitosis?
What role do spindle fibres play during mitosis?
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How do centrioles influence the formation of spindle fibres?
How do centrioles influence the formation of spindle fibres?
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Describe the main event occurring during cytokinesis.
Describe the main event occurring during cytokinesis.
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What is the significance of the 'S' phase in interphase?
What is the significance of the 'S' phase in interphase?
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How does chromatin change through the stages of mitosis?
How does chromatin change through the stages of mitosis?
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What mnemonic can help remember the stages of mitosis and what does it represent?
What mnemonic can help remember the stages of mitosis and what does it represent?
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What are the main differences between DNA and RNA in terms of structure and function?
What are the main differences between DNA and RNA in terms of structure and function?
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What are the components of a nucleotide and how do they contribute to the formation of nucleic acids?
What are the components of a nucleotide and how do they contribute to the formation of nucleic acids?
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Explain the significance of homologous chromosomes and provide examples of their functions.
Explain the significance of homologous chromosomes and provide examples of their functions.
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What is a karyotype and what information can it provide about an organism?
What is a karyotype and what information can it provide about an organism?
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Describe the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in the process of protein synthesis.
Describe the roles of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA in the process of protein synthesis.
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What is the significance of non-coding DNA, and how does it differ from coding DNA?
What is the significance of non-coding DNA, and how does it differ from coding DNA?
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In terms of protein structure, what distinguishes essential, non-essential, and conditional amino acids?
In terms of protein structure, what distinguishes essential, non-essential, and conditional amino acids?
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How do dominant and recessive alleles influence phenotype expression and what is an example?
How do dominant and recessive alleles influence phenotype expression and what is an example?
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Study Notes
Cell Division
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Cytokinesis begins during anaphase and continues as a cleavage furrow forms
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In telophase, chromosomes migrate to opposite ends of the cell, unravel into chromatin, the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes and cytokinesis continues to form two daughter cells
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Mitosis is complete once a new interphase begins. Chromosomes have unraveled to form chromatin, cell division has produced two daughter cells each with DNA which is identical to the parent cell’s DNA
Mitosis Examples
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Skin: keratinized stratified squamous epithelium is constantly regenerating from the basal layer
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High abrasion areas: Skin, gastrointestinal tract (oral cavity to anus), female reproductive system (cervix and vagina)
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Normal growth: in utero (pregnancy), puberty, wound healing, red blood cells, mitosis inhibitors used in cancer treatment -- stop tumor growth
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Brains, heart, skeletal muscle: slow growth
Meiosis
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Germ cells divide and produce gametes (sex cells)
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Specialized for sexual reproduction
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DNA replication followed by two cell divisions
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Produces four genetically different daughter cells:
- Gametes are haploid (n)
- Only one homolog from each homologous pair
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Resulting gametes (egg/sperm) unite to form a zygote -- a new genetically unique human being
Meiosis Steps
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- Early prophase I: The duplicated chromosomes become visible chromatids
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- Middle prophase I: Homologous chromosomes synapse to form tetrads. Crossing over may occur at this stage. (Homologous pairs of chromosomes come together and form tetrads, the process is called synapsis, and the chromosomes swap a bit of DNA)
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- Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes align at the center of the cell, random assortment (which chromosome ends up on which side is random) of homologous chromosomes occurs.
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- Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes move apart to opposite sides of the cell
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- Telophase I: New nuclei form and the cell divides.
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- Prophase II: There is no DNA replication before the start of meiosis II; it starts with two non-identical cells both with 23 chromosomes and the DNA is replicated.
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- Metaphase II: Chromosomes align along the center of the cell
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- Anaphase II: Chromatids separate and each is now called a chromosome.
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- Telophase II: New nuclei form around the chromosomes.
Interphase
- Ongoing normal cell activities:
- E.g., makes hormones, transmits action potentials, contracts, replicates DNA, and prepares for division
- It has three phases:
- First phase: Regular metabolism
- Second phase: DNA replication
- Third phase: Preparation for division
Mitosis
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A series of events that leads to the production of two somatic cells by division of one mother cell into two daughter cells. These cells are genetically identical.
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Four stages of mitosis:
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
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Cytokinesis: Division of cell cytoplasm
Chromosomes and Chromatin
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Chromatin: DNA complexed with proteins (histones)
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During cell division, chromatin condenses into pairs of chromatids called chromosomes. Each pair of chromatids is joined by a centromere
Chromosomes
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Humans:
- 23 pairs of chromosomes
- 46 diploid number
- 22 autonomic pairs
- One sex determining pair:
- XX – Female
- XY – Male
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Karyotype: A map of chromosomes
- To obtain a karyotype, a cell must be stained and photographed during metaphase
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Homologous: Pairs of chromosomes, one from the father and one from the mother (gametes)
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Locus: The location of a gene on a chromosome
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Allele: Different forms of the same gene. The same locus will be found on the other homologous chromosome
DNA Replication
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Interphase: DNA replication occurs. Each chromosome becomes doubled, consisting of two identical strands of DNA.
- During interphase, the number of chromosomes is not increased, but the amount of DNA is.
- The cell is getting ready to divide.
Structure of a Meiotic Chromosome
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The DNA of a chromosome is dispersed as chromatin
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The DNA molecule unwinds, and each strand of the molecule is replicated
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During mitosis, the chromatin from each replicated DNA strand condenses to form a chromatid. The chromatids are joined at the centromere to form a single chromosome
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The chromatids separate to form two new, identical chromosomes. The chromosomes will unwind to form chromatin in the nuclei of the two daughter cells.
Mitosis
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Produces two identical daughter cells
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Happens all the time, during wound healing, skin renewal, etc.
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Prophase: Chromatin condenses to form chromosomes, centrioles migrate to either end of the cell, spindle fibres attach to centromeres
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Metaphase: Chromosomes are aligned at the nuclear equator
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Anaphase: Spindle fibres separate the chromatids, two identical sets of chromosomes are moved to separate ends of the cell, cytokinesis begins
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Telophase: The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes, chromosomes decondense into chromatin, cytokinesis continues
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Cytokinesis: Cytoplasmic division
Centrioles and Spindle Fibres
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Two centrioles located in the centrosome
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Center of microtubule (spindle fibre) formation
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Before cell division, centrioles divide and move to either end of the cell and organise spindle fibres
Mitosis – IPMAT
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Can be remembered by "I Pay My Annual Taxes"
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Interphase: The time between cell divisions. DNA is present as thin threads of chromatin in the nucleus. DNA replication occurs during the 'S' phase of interphase, and organelles other than the nucleus and centrioles duplicate during interphase
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Prophase: The chromatin condenses into chromosomes. Each chromosome consists of two chromatids joined at the centromere. The centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, and the nucleus and the nuclear envelope disappear. Microtubules form near the centrioles and project in all directions, some of the microtubules end blindly and are called astral fibres. Others, known as spindle fibres, project towards an invisible line known as the equator and overlap with fibres from the opposite side
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Metaphase: The chromosomes align in the center of the cell in association with the spindle fibres. Some spindle fibres are attached to kinetochores in the centromere of each chromosome
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Anaphase: The chromatids separate, and each chromatid is then referred to as a chromosome. Thus, when the centromeres divide, the chromosome number is double, and there are two identical sets of chromosomes. The chromosomes assisted by the spindle fibres move towards the centrioles at each end of the cell. Separation of the chromatids signals the beginning of anaphase, and by the time anaphase has ended, the chromatids have reached the poles of the cell
Leucine
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DNA code is 'degenerate' meaning several code words have the same meaning
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Three codons do not code for an amino acid but the termination of the peptide chain:
- Stop codons: UAG, UAA, UGA
Translation Summary
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mRNA carries genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes
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The sequence is read by the translational machinery in the ribosomes, in lots of 3 nucleotides (nucleotide triplets = codon)
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Translation starts at the start codon (AUG) of each gene in the mRNA
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Each codon codes for a specific amino acid
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As each codon is read, a tRNA with a specific complimentary sequence (anticodon) binds to the triplet
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The tRNA carries the amino acid specified by the codon
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Amino acids are joined together by peptide bonds, in the sequence specified by the mRNA, to make a peptide/protein
Post-translational Modification
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The chemical modification of a protein following translation
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It is one of the last steps in protein synthesis
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After translation, proteins can be modified by attaching other functional groups which can change or extend its functions:
- E.g., lipids (lipoproteins), carbohydrates (glycoproteins)
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Amino acids may be cleaved off the end of the protein, or a polypeptide can be cut in half, e.g. insulin
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Other modifications such as phosphorylation are a common way of controlling the behaviour of a protein, for instance, activating or inactivating an enzyme
- Proteins cannot be produced in active form because if they are produced in active form, they will start digesting the cell in which they are produced
- Proteins are activated when they reach their destination
Cells
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Somatic cell:
- A biological cell forming the body of a multicellular organism
- Most cells
- 46 chromosomes (diploid number)
- Mitosis
- E.g., epithelial cells, muscle cells, and neurones
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Germ cell:
- Cells that give rise to gametes
- Located in the gonads (ovaries and testes)
- Diploid (46 chromosomes)
- Meiosis
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Gamete cell:
- Cells that fuse during sexual reproduction
- Sperm or egg (spermatocyte or oocyte)
- 23 chromosomes (haploid number)
Cell Life Cycle
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Cells spend the majority of their life in interphase
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Interphase: The phase between cell divisions. Cells divide to form four daughter gamete cells with a haploid number of chromosomes (n).
Homologous Crossing Over
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Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes line up next to each other. DNA is exchanged between the adjacent homologous chromatids. Sister chromatid strands of each chromosome are no longer identical resulting in an exchange of genetic material between mother and father chromosomes.
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This causes new gene combinations and genetic variation.
Spermatogenesis
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Meiosis occurring in the gonads
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4 functional sperm cells per division
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Non-identical with 23 chromosomes
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Lifelong process in the testes
Oogenesis
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The ovaries make gametes (oocytes) via meiosis
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At birth, the ovaries contain all the oocytes they will ever have - stalled in prophase I
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1 functional oocyte per division
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3 polar bodies produced
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Non-identical with 23 chromosomes
Nucleic Acids
- First discovered in the nuclei of cells, found in all cells
- Organic macromolecules (C,H,O,N,P)
- Main information-carrying molecules that direct protein synthesis and determine hereditary traits
- Polynucleotides/polynucleotide chains are chains of repeating monomers called nucleotides
- Nucleotides contain:
- Pentose sugars (deoxyribose, ribose)
- A phosphate group
- A nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, uracil)
- Nucleoside = pentose sugar + nitrogenous base
- Nucleotide = nucleoside + phosphate group
- Sequence of nitrogenous bases carries the information
- Two major classes: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA)
DNA
- DNA = deoxyribonucleic acid
- Mainly found in the nucleus, also in mitochondria
- Contributes to the blueprint coding for protein synthesis
- Approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes in the human genome
- Only 1.5% of DNA is genes
- 98.5% of DNA is non-coding (regulatory sequences, introns, and non-coding DNA such as repeat elements)
Structure of DNA
- Double helix molecule (Watson and Crick 1953)
- Double-stranded polymer: two nucleotide chains are antiparallel
- Alternating sugar-phosphate backbone
- Pentose sugar: deoxyribose
- Complementary nitrogenous bases form rungs of the ladder:
- Adenine – thymine
- Guanine – cytosine
- Nitrogenous bases held together by weak hydrogen bonds
Organisation of DNA
- Double strands of DNA in a twisted ladder
- DNA is wrapped around proteins called histones
- DNA and histones bundled together is called chromatin
- Chromatin twists and condenses to form chromosomes
- Each chromosome contains hundreds to thousands of genes
Quantity of DNA
- Each somatic human cell nucleus contains 2 copies of each chromosome (one from the mother and one from the father)
- Somatic cells with 46 chromosomes (23 pairs) have the full amount of DNA, called diploid
- Maternal and paternal chromosomes in a pair are called homologous chromosomes (make a homologous pair)
- Gametes (sperm and egg) have one chromosome from each pair (23 chromosomes), have half the normal amount of DNA, called haploid
- Humans have 22 pairs of autosomal chromosomes and 1 pair of sex chromosomes
- Women have 2 X chromosomes, men have 1 X and 1 Y chromosome
- When cells divide, chromatin condenses to form chromosomes, which are easier to see and can be arranged next to their pair. This map is called a karyotype.
Karyotype
- A map of chromosomes in a dividing cell
- Male karyotype (22 autosomes + XY)
- Each chromosome has segments represented by colours. These segments represent a gene, which controls the production of a protein
- Many genes coding for different proteins on each chromosome
- When comparing a homologous pair, both will have genes for the same function, but could code differently. The dominant gene will be displayed.
- The two different genes are referred to as alleles
RNA
- RNA = ribonucleic acid
- Single-stranded polymer, self-complimentary sequences that form folds, bulges, and helices
- Supports DNA during protein synthesis
- Found in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm
- Alternating sugar phosphate backbone
- Pentose sugar: ribose
- Nitrogenous bases:
- Adenine – uracil
- Guanine – cytosine
- 3 types: mRNA (messenger), tRNA (transfer), rRNA (ribosomal)
- Different relative sizes, shapes, and roles in protein synthesis:
- mRNA: carries information from DNA to the ribosome through transcription
- tRNA: brings amino acids to the ribosome for protein production in translation
- rRNA: integral part of the ribosomes
Terminology
- Genetics: the study of heredity, looking at DNA, chromosomes, and gene expression
- Gene: segment of DNA that codes for a protein
- Allele: alternative form of a gene
- Genotype: the actual gene (AA, Aa, aa)
- Phenotype: the person's appearance (blue eyes, brown hair)
- Dominant and recessive alleles: an allele is dominant if it can express itself in a single dose, recessive if it requires 2 doses of that allele for expression
- Sex-linked traits: traits affected by genes on the sex chromosomes
Proteins
- The most diverse biomolecules in the human body
- Important macromolecules, at least 10,000 in our body
- Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen bound by covalent bonds. May also contain sulphur, phosphorus, iron, and iodine.
- Long chain of amino acids (aa) linked by peptide bonds
- Made from 20 amino acids. Each amino acid has specific properties due to its side chain (part of the amino acid not involved in linking to other amino acids)
- Essential amino acids (can't be synthesized in the body): 9
- Non-essential amino acids (can be synthesized in the body): 5
- Conditional amino acids (not normally essential, but required in times of illness or stress): 6
Amino Acid Structure
- Each amino acid has an amine group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R)
- Some side chains are non-polar and hydrophobic (water-fearing), while others are hydrophilic (water-loving) or positively or negatively charged
Types of Peptides
- Dipeptide: 2 amino acids
- Oligopeptide: 3-10 amino acids
- Polypeptide: 10 or more amino acids
- Protein: 50 or more amino acids
Protein Functions
Role | Example |
---|---|
Regulation | Enzymes control chemical reactions. Keratin adds strength to skin, hair, and nails. |
Energy | Proteins can be broken down for energy. Per unit weight, they yield as much energy as carbohydrates. |
Communication | Cell-to-cell communication by protein receptors on the cell membrane and neurotransmitters, which are also proteins. |
- Recommended protein intake is 10-35% of total calories
Protein Structure
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Interactions between side groups in a long chain and the peptide bonds affect the way a protein can fold and take shape
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Primary Structure:
- Sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
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Secondary Structure:
- Protein folds to form secondary structures because amino acids have different side chains
- Two regular folding patterns: alpha helices (keratin) and beta pleated sheets (fibroin, silk)
-
Tertiary Structure:
- 3D shape is determined by the folding of the secondary structure
- Alpha helices and beta sheets fold to form unique structures held together by bonds between amino acids that may be far apart in the polypeptide chain.
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Quaternary Structure:
- Combined 3D structure of two or more polypeptide chains
- E.g. Haemoglobin, which consists of 2 alpha and 2 beta chains
Types of Proteins
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Fibrous:
- Simple elongated polypeptide chains arranged in parallel fashion along a single axis.
- Usually insoluble in water and stable.
- Provide mechanical support and tensile strength, more structural.
- Abundant outside the cell, making up the matrix between cells.
- Less sensitive to changes in temperature, pH, etc.
- E.g. Collagen, keratin, myosin, elastin, actin.
-
Globular:
- Polypeptide chain folds up into a compact shape, like a ball with a rough surface.
- Usually water soluble.
- Mobile, chemically active.
- Play critical roles in nearly all biological processes, more functional.
- Sensitive to changes in temperature, pH, etc.
- E.g. Haemoglobin, myoglobin, insulin, most enzymes, antibodies.
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Membrane Proteins:
- E.g. Histones and glucose transporters
The Proteome
- The proteome of a cell is all the proteins that a cell makes. Proteomics is the study of the proteins in a cell.
- Not all cells make all proteins. Comparing the proteomes of different cells can show their differences.
- Even though all cells are derived from the same parent cell, they produce different things by switching genes on or off.
- E.g. Muscle cell vs skin cell, melanoma vs normal melanocyte
- Cells are protein factories that constantly synthesize many different proteins
- These proteins are used for cell functions, or exported.
- Intracellular use or extracellular use
- The cell's DNA contains all the information needed to make proteins.
Protein Synthesis - Basic Concept
- The specific arrangement of amino acids determines the shape, properties, and functions of a protein.
- Gene: a segment of DNA that specifies the structure of a protein
- Genetic code: specific arrangement of nucleotides in DNA and RNA that determines the amino acid sequence of a particular protein
- Gene expression: production of proteins from the information stored in DNA
- Central dogma: directional flow of information from DNA -> RNA -> protein
Gene Expression
- Gene expression involves two steps:
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Transcription:
- Occurs in the nucleus
- A copy of a small part of the stored information in DNA (gene) is produced
- DNA -> mRNA
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Translation:
- Occurs in the cytoplasm
- The copied information is converted into a protein
- mRNA -> protein
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Transcription:
Transcription
- Transcription factors recruit the enzyme RNA polymerase, which polymerizes messenger RNA.
- Polymerization: two molecules combine to form a larger molecule
- Double helix structure:
- Sugar-phosphate backbone
- Two polynucleotide chains
- Nitrogenous bases
- The two strands are complementary through base pairing
- One strand is the coding strand (contains the gene sequence) and the other is the template strand
- The template strand is used to produce RNA
Translation
- Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis
- tRNA carry amino acids to the ribosome
- tRNA anticodons match mRNA codons to add the appropriate amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain
- The newly synthesized polypeptide chain folds into its correct 3D shape to become functional
Cell Cycle
- The cell cycle is a continuous process of growth, development, and division in a cell.
- Most of the time, cells are in interphase where they grow up, carry out their unique functions, and duplicate their chromosomes.
- The mitotic phase is the division stage, consisting of mitosis (nuclear division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division).
Mitosis
- Mitosis is a nuclear division that produces two daughter cells with the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell
- Four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase
- IPMAT: Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
Interphase
- Interphase is the time between cell divisions.
- DNA is present as thin threads of chromatin in the nucleus.
- DNA replication occurs during the 'S' phase of interphase.
- Organelles other than the nucleus and centrioles duplicate during interphase.
Prophase
- The chromatin condenses into chromosomes.
- Each chromosome consists of two chromatids joined at the centromere.
- The centrioles move to opposite ends of the cell, and the nucleus and the nuclear envelope disappear.
- Microtubules form near the centrioles and project in all directions.
- Some of the microtubules end blindly and are called astral fibres.
- Others, known as spindle fibres, project towards an invisible line known as the equator and overlap with fibres from the opposite side.
Metaphase
- The chromosomes align in the center of the cell in association with the spindle fibres.
- Some spindle fibres are attached to kinetochores in the centromere of each chromosome.
Anaphase
- The chromatids separate, and each chromatid is then referred to as a chromosome.
- This doubles the chromosome number, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes.
- The chromosomes, assisted by the spindle fibres, move towards the centrioles at each end of the cell.
- The separation of the chromatids signals the beginning of anaphase, and by the time anaphase has ended, the chromatids have reached the poles of the cell.
Telophase
- The nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes.
- Chromosomes decondense into chromatin.
- Cytokinesis continues.
Cytokinesis
- Cytokinesis is the cytoplasmic division.
Centrioles and Spindle Fibres
- Two centrioles located in the centrosome.
- Center of microtubule (spindle fibre) formation.
- Before cell division, centrioles divide and move to either end of the cell and organize spindle fibres.
Meiosis
- Meiosis is a type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
- Two rounds of division: meiosis I and meiosis II
- Meiosis I:
- homologous chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material through crossing over (prophase I)
- homologous chromosomes separate (anaphase I)
- Meiosis II:
- sister chromatids separate (anaphase II)
Homologous Crossing Over
- Prophase I: Homologous chromosomes line up next to each other. DNA is exchanged between the adjacent homologous chromatids. Sister chromatid strands of each chromosome are no longer identical, resulting in an exchange of genetic material between mother and father chromosomes.
- This causes new gene combinations and genetic variation.
Spermatogenesis
- Meiosis occurring in the gonads
- Produces 4 functional sperm cells per division
- Non-identical, with 23 chromosomes
- Lifelong process in the testes
Oogenesis
- The ovaries make gametes (oocytes) via meiosis.
- At birth, the ovaries contain all the oocytes they will ever have, stalled in prophase I.
- Produces 1 functional oocyte per division.
- Produces 3 polar bodies.
- Non-identical, with 23 chromosomes.
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Explore the fascinating processes of cell division, including mitosis and meiosis, through this quiz. Understand the stages of mitosis, examples of where it occurs in the body, and the roles of meiosis in gamete production. Test your knowledge on cell biology concepts and their applications in growth and healing.