Ch. 2: Reproduction Flashcards
(112 cards)
defn + types of cells: diploid vs. haploid
DIPLOID = 2n = contain two copies of each chromosome
- autosomal cells
HAPLOID = n = only one copy of each chromosome
- germ cells
what is the cell cycle?
the series of phases that eukaryotic cells replicate through
what are the four stages of the cell cycle for actively dividing cells?
G1
S
G2
M
defn: interphase
the first three stages (G1, S, and G2)
the longest part of the cell cycle (actively dividinig cells spend 90% of their time here)
defn: G0 phase
an offshoot of G1
this is where cells that do not divide spend all of their time
the cell simply lives and carries out its functions, without any preparation for division
what form is DNA in during interphase? how does this affect visualization with light microscopy?
why is DNA in this form?
chromatin (less condensed form)
individual chromosomes are not visible with light microscopy in this state
it is in this form because DNA must be available to RNA polymerase so that genes can be transcribed
steps (2) + aka: G1 phase
Presynthetic gap
cells create organelles for energy and protein production (mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum), while also increasing their size
what criterion must be met for the cell to pass from the G1 to S stage? what is this junction calle?
restriction point
criteria: containing the proper complement of DNA
steps (2) + aka: S stage
Synthesis of DNA
- cell replicates its genetic material so that each daughter cell will have identical copies
- after replication, each chromosome consists of two identical chromatids that are bound together at a specialized region (the centromere)
how many chromosomes are present after replication (after S stage)? what does this imply about the amount of DNA entering G2 as compared to G1?
still 46! 92 chromatids are present, but the ploidy has not changed
cells entering G2 have twice as much DNA as cells in G1
defn: chromatid vs. chromosome
CHROMATID = composed of a complete double-stranded molecule of DNA
- sister chromatids are identical copies of each other
CHROMOSOME = a single chromatid before S phase OR the pair of chromatids attached at the centromere AFTER the S phase
steps (3) + aka: G2 stage
postsynthetic gap
- cell passes through another quality control checkpoint
- DNA has already been duplicated, and the cell checks to make sure there are enough organelles and cytoplasm for two daughter cells
- the cell also checks to make sure the DNA proceeded correctly to avoid passing on an error to daughter cells
what are the two checkpoints that control the cell cycle?
G1/S and G2/M
what is the main point of the G1/S checkpoint?
what happens to the cell if there is damage at this checkpoint?
what is the main protein in control of this?
the cell determines if the condition of the DNA is good enough for synthesis
if there is DNA damage: the cell cycle goes into arrest until the DNA has been repaired
main protein: p53
what is the main point of the G2/M checkpoint?
what is the main protein?
the cell is mainly concerned with ensuring that it has achieved adequate size and the organelles have been properly replicated to support w daughter cells
main protein: p53
defn + how they work (4): cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK)
the molecules responsible for the cell cycle
- to be activated, CDKs require the presence of the right cyclins
- during the cell cycle, concentrations of the different cyclins increase and decrease during specific stages
- these cyclins bind to CDKs, creating an activated CDK-cyclin comlex
- this complex can then phosphorylate transcription factors
defn: transcription factors
promote transcription of genes required for the next stage of the cell cycle
why is cell cycle control needed?
to ensure that cells that are damaged or inadequately sized do not divide
what happens when cell cycle control falters, and damaged cells undergo mitosis?
cancer may result!
defn + result (3): mutation of TP53
one of the most common mutations found in cancer
mutation of the gene that produces p53 (TP53)
when this is mutated
1. the cell cycle is not stopped to repair damaged DNA
2. mutations accumulate
3. results in a cancerous cell that divides continuously and without regard to the quality or quantity of the new cells produced
steps: tumors vs. metastasis vs. middle stage
TUMOR: cancer cells undergo rapid division
MIDDLE STAGE: eventually if the cell begins to make the right factors, the damaged cells are then able to reach other tissues
METASTASIS: may be local invasion as well as distant spread of cancerous cells through the bloodstream or lymphatic systems
defn: mitosis
the process by which 2 identical daughter cells are created from a single cell
what are the 4 phases of mitosis? + mnemonic
PMAT
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
what kind of cells does mitosis occur in?
somatic cells (cells not involved in sexual reproduction)