Mutations and Cell Fate Flashcards
(7 cards)
Q: What is the difference between cell growth, cell death, and proliferation?
A: - Cell growth refers to an increase in cell size or mass.
Cell death is the programmed or accidental termination of a cell, including apoptosis and necrosis.
Cell proliferation is the process of cell division and replication to produce new cells.
Q: What are the key stages of the cell cycle?
A: The cell cycle consists of:
G1 phase: Cell growth and preparation for DNA synthesis.
S phase: DNA replication.
G2 phase: Preparation for mitosis.
M phase: Mitosis and cytokinesis.
Q: What are the main restriction points in the cell cycle?
A: The main restriction points are:
G1/S checkpoint: Ensures the cell is ready for DNA replication.
G2/M checkpoint: Ensures DNA has been accurately replicated before mitosis.
Spindle checkpoint: Ensures chromosomes are properly aligned before division.
: What is cell differentiation?
A: Cell differentiation is the process by which a less specialised cell becomes a more specialised cell type, enabling the development of specific functions in multicellular organisms.
Q: Why is cell signalling important for differentiation?
A: Cell signalling regulates gene expression, guiding cells to adopt specific identities and functions during differentiation
Q: How do cells in multicellular organisms regulate their fate?
A: Cells regulate their fate through signalling pathways, such as growth factors, hormones, and cell-to-cell communication, which influence gene expression and differentiation.
Q: How does the deregulation of cell fate mechanisms contribute to cancer development?
A: Deregulation can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, avoidance of apoptosis, and loss of differentiation, all of which are hallmarks of cancer.
