Cell Division Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is mitosis?
A type of cell division that produces two identical diploid cells from one parent cell.
Why is mitosis important?
For growth, repair of damaged tissues, and replacement of worn out cells.
What are the three main stages of the cell cycle?
Growth phase, Mitosis, and Cytokinesis.
What happens during the growth phase of the cell cycle?
The cell grows, organelles are duplicated, DNA is replicated, and the number of subcellular structures increases.
What happens during the mitosis stage?
Chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell and the nucleus divides.
What happens during the cytokinesis stage?
The cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to form two separate daughter cells.
What is cytokinesis?
The division of the cytoplasm to form two separate cells.
How many chromosomes do human body cells contain?
46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
What does diploid mean?
Having two complete sets of chromosomes (one from each parent).
What is the cell cycle?
The series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide.
Name the three main stages of the cell cycle.
Interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis.
What happens during interphase?
The cell grows, organelles are duplicated, and DNA is replicated.
What controls the cell cycle?
Chemical signals and checkpoints that ensure proper cell division.
What is a chromosome?
A structure made of DNA and proteins that contains genes.
What are sister chromatids?
Two identical copies of a chromosome joined at the centromere.
Why must DNA be replicated before mitosis?
So each new cell receives a complete copy of the genetic information.
What happens if the cell cycle goes wrong?
It can lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer.
How do cancer cells differ from normal cells?
They divide uncontrollably and can invade other tissues.
What is a tumour?
A mass of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably.
What is the difference between benign and malignant tumours?
Benign tumours don’t spread; malignant tumours can invade other tissues and spread.
What causes mutations in DNA?
Radiation, chemicals, errors during DNA replication, or inherited factors.
What is chemotherapy?
Treatment using drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them dividing.
What factors increase cancer risk?
Smoking, excessive UV exposure, certain chemicals, age, genetics.
How can cancer risk be reduced?
Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, healthy diet, exercise, sun protection.
