General Biology 1 Quiz: Cell Cycle

Study Notes

Cell Cycle and Division

Kinases and Cyclins function as signaling proteins that regulate checkpoints during Interphase of the cell cycle.
The Synthesis Phase, or S phase, is when DNA replication occurs, preparing the cell for division.
The Mitotic Phase involves the alignment of chromosomes at the equatorial plate, setting the stage for separation.
Spindle fibers do not need to attach to kinetochores for a cell to move from S phase to the next phase.
The Cyclin/CDK complex facilitates progression through the cell cycle rather than inhibiting it.
Anaphase is characterized by the separation of sister chromatids, which are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.
Meiosis I reduces chromosome number by half, producing haploid cells from diploid parent cells.

Cell Structure

Golgi bodies merge with the cell plate during telophase in plant cell division.
Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells can possess cell walls and flagella.
Prokaryotic cells lack a membrane-bound nucleus, contrasting with eukaryotic cells which have one.
Bacterial cells exemplify prokaryotic structure, while plants and animals are representative of eukaryotic cells.
Eukaryotic cells are larger, more complex, and contain membrane-bound organelles.
Prokaryotic cells are smaller, lack organelles, and possess circular DNA without a nucleus.

Cellular Components and Functions

The nucleus is the control center, overseeing major cellular activities.
Cytoplasm consists of all contents within the cell membrane excluding the nucleus.
Vacuoles are storage structures that hold materials necessary for cellular function.
Mitochondria are the cell's powerhouses, generating ATP to supply energy.
Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins crucial for various cellular functions.
Lipids are the primary components of cell membranes, ensuring structural integrity.

Membrane Structure and Function

Cholesterol maintains fluidity within cell membranes by preventing fatty acid tight packing.
Glycoproteins, proteins with attached carbohydrates, play roles in cell adhesion and recognition.
Proteins serve as channels and pumps in membranes, regulating the passage of substances.
The phospholipid bilayer restricts the free movement of ions, maintaining cellular homeostasis.

Phases of Mitosis

Prophase marks the breakdown of the nuclear envelope.
Telophase is where the nuclear membrane reconstructs, and cytokinesis begins.
Chromosomes are distinct from chromatin; chromosomes are tightly coiled while chromatin is loosely coiled.
A cell with a diploid number of 24 undergoing meiosis produces daughter cells with 12 chromosomes, as a reduction occurs.

Genetic Material Location

In prokaryotic cells, DNA is found in the nucleoid region, a non-membrane-bound area.
In eukaryotic cells, DNA is enclosed within the nucleus.

Summary of Features

Eukaryotic cells are defined by their complex structure and organelles.
Prokaryotic cells are simply organized and lack a defined nucleus.
Cell walls provide support to plant cells, enabling structural stability.

Description

Test your knowledge on the cell cycle phases in General Biology 1. This quiz covers key concepts such as Interphase, the Synthesis Phase, and the Mitotic Phase, along with important proteins like kinases and cyclins. Dive into the essential checkpoints and processes that govern cellular division.