The Cell Cycle Overview

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Questions and Answers

What occurs when cells break away and invade other tissues?

Angiogenesis

Hyperplasia

Metastasis (correct)

Apoptosis

What is the main reason for stopping the cell cycle when DNA is damaged?

To allow for further mutations

To initiate apoptosis

To promote faster cell division

To prevent incorrect cellular messages (correct)

Before a cell can divide, what must happen to its DNA?

It must become fragmented

It must remain intact

It must duplicate itself (correct)

It must mutate

What is the process by which prokaryotic cells reproduce asexually?

Binary fission Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of daughter cells produced by binary fission?

They are genetically identical clones Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of interphase in cell division?

To replicate DNA. Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of mitosis do the chromosomes line up in the center of the cell?

Metaphase Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about sister chromatids is true?

They result from DNA replication during interphase. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during telophase and cytokinesis?

Nuclear membranes reform and the cell pinches in two. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the difference between somatic cells and gametes?

Somatic cells contain two copies of each chromosome, while gametes contain one. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of cell division in multicellular organisms?

To grow and repair cells Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of a cell’s life is spent in interphase?

90% Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the cell cycle involves DNA replication?

S phase Signup and view all the answers

Which checkpoint is responsible for assessing the cell’s size and nutrient availability before DNA synthesis?

G1 checkpoint Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the G2 phase of the cell cycle?

The cell gets ready for cell division Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes malignant tumor cells?

They are anchorage independent. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a tumor?

A mass created by rapid cell division Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the G2 checkpoint is true?

It ensures chromosome duplication is complete. Signup and view all the answers

What type of cells are produced at the end of meiosis?

Haploid cells Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of meiosis do homologous chromosomes line up at the center of the cell?

Metaphase I Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of meiosis?

To reduce chromosome number for gamete formation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the outcome of meiosis?

Four haploid daughter cells are formed Signup and view all the answers

During which stage of meiosis do the daughter cells become haploid?

Cytokinesis I Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for gametes to be haploid?

They must combine to create a diploid zygote Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during Anaphase I of meiosis?

Homologous chromosomes move to opposite poles Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between meiosis and mitosis?

Mitosis produces two identical cells, meiosis produces four non-identical cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Cell Cycle

Cell cycle: a sequence of events in a eukaryotic cell's life, from origin to division into two daughter cells.
Cells divide for two reasons: reproduction of the organism and growth/repair of cells in a multicellular organism.

Stages of the Cell Cycle

Interphase: The longest stage of a cell’s life (90%), where the cell performs its normal functions and prepares for division.
Cell Division (Mitosis): The final stage of a cell's life cycle, where DNA is duplicated and divided into daughter cells.

Interphase

G1 phase (gap 1): The first phase after a cell divides, where it takes in nutrients, produces proteins, and grows.
S phase (synthesis): DNA is replicated during this phase, resulting in twice the amount of DNA in the cell.
G2 phase (gap 2): Occurs after the S phase and before cell division. The cell prepares for division by ensuring raw materials are available.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

G1 Checkpoint: Stops the cell cycle if the cell is too small, lacks sufficient nutrients, or if DNA is damaged.
G2 Checkpoint: Stops the cell cycle if the cell is too small, lacks sufficient nutrients, DNA is damaged, or chromosome duplication in the S phase is incomplete.

Tumors

A mass of cells created by rapid, uncontrolled cell division.
Often occur when cells ignore cell cycle checkpoints.
Benign tumors: Cells remain confined to one site.
Malignant tumors (cancerous): Cells become anchorage-independent, invading other tissues to form metastases.
Metastases: Spread of cancer from one organ to another.
Angiogenesis: Formation of new blood vessels, promoted by cancerous cells.

DNA

The genetic blueprint containing the information for cells to function properly.
Located within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.
Must be duplicated before a cell can divide.

Cell Division

The final stage of a cell's life cycle, where DNA is duplicated and divided into daughter cells.

Cell Division in Prokaryotes

Binary fission: Asexual reproduction process in prokaryotes and some single-celled eukaryotes.
- The cell copies its chromosome.
- Chromosomes move to separate ends of the cell.
- The cell splits into two daughter cells, each receiving one chromosome.
- Daughter cells are genetically identical clones.

Cell Division in Eukaryotes

Mitosis: Asexual reproduction in somatic (body) cells that produces two identical daughter cells.

Mitosis: Stages

Prophase: Chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane dissolves, and the spindle forms.
Metaphase: Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.
Anaphase: Spindle fibers pull chromatids apart, and chromatids migrate to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase/Cytokinesis: The nuclear membrane reforms, and the cell pinches in two, forming two daughter cells.

DNA Synthesis

During Interphase's 'S' phase, DNA replicates.
The cell has two identical copies of each chromosome, called sister chromatids.
Sister chromatids are held together by a centromere.

Meiosis: Overview

Cell division used in sexual reproduction to produce sperm and egg cells (gametes).
Gametes are haploid, containing only one copy of each chromosome.
Somatic cells are diploid, possessing two copies of each chromosome.

Gamete Formation

Sperm are formed in the testes.
Eggs are formed in the ovaries.
Gametes are produced by meiosis.

Human Chromosomes

Humans have 46 chromosomes organized into 23 homologous pairs (one from each parent).
Meiosis halves the number of chromosomes, starting with a diploid cell and ending with four haploid cells.

Meiosis I: The First Round of Cell Division

Interphase: Growth and chromosome replication.
Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, the nuclear membrane dissolves, and the spindle forms.
Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.
Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate to opposite poles.
Telophase I/Cytokinesis: Nuclear membranes form, and the cell pinches in two, resulting in two haploid daughter cells.

Meiosis II: The Second Round of Cell Division

Prophase II: Chromosomes attach to the spindle.
Metaphase II: Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell.
Anaphase II: Sister chromatids of each chromosome separate.
Telophase II/Cytokinesis: Nuclear membrane reforms, and the cell pinches in two, resulting in four haploid daughter cells.

Key Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis: Produces two identical diploid daughter cells.
Meiosis: Produces four unique haploid daughter cells.

Importance of Haploid Gametes

They provide the correct number of chromosomes for a new organism when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, ensuring a diploid organism.

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Description

Explore the essential stages of the cell cycle, including interphase and cell division (mitosis). Understand the significance of each phase and the checkpoints that ensure proper cell function and division. This quiz will help solidify your knowledge of cell structure and function.