The mitotic cell cycle Flashcards
Chromatids
- 1 of 2 identical parts of a chromosome
- held together by a centromere
- formed during interphase by the replication of a DNA strand
Centromere
region of the chromosome to which the microtubules of the spindle attach during cell division
Kinetochores
a protein structure found at the centromere of a chromatid to which microtubules attach during cell division
Telomere
protective sequence of nucleotides found at the ends of the chromosomes
Function of telomeres
- needed for successful cell division
- permit continued replication
- prevent loss of genes
Cell Cycle
- G1 phase
- S phase
- G2 phase
- Mitosis
- Cytokinesis
Cell cycle definition
sequence of events taking place from one cell division until the next
Interphase phases
- G1 phase
- S phase
- G2 phase
Interphase
- longest phase
- normal cell functions
- cell grows to its normal size
- time spent between cell divisions
G1 phase
- cells make RNA, enzymes & other proteins needed for growth
- at the end, cell becomes committed to dividing or not
S phase
- DNA replication so that each chromosome consists of 2 identical chromatids
G2 phase
- cell continues to grow
- new DNA is checked & any errors are repaired
- preparations are made to start cell division
Mitosis
nuclear division that produces 2 genetically identical daughter cells
Roles of mitosis
- maintains genetic stability
- ensures cells retain function
- maintains chromosome number
Functions of mitosis
- growth
- cell replacement
- repair of tissues
- asexual reproduction
- immune response
Stages of mitosis
- Prophase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
Prophase
- centrosomes migrate to opposite poles of mitotic spindle
- chromatin starts to condense
- nuclear envelope & nucleolus begin to disappear
Metaphase
- centrosomes are at poles of the cell and organise the production of spindle microtubules
- chromosomes line up across equator of spindle
- each chromosome splits at centromere
- chromosomes start to be pulled apart by microtubules
Anaphase
- chromatids move to opposite poles, centromeres are first pulled by microtubules
- spindle fibres contract and chromosomes are pulled to the opposite ends
Telophase
- nuclear envelope and nuceolus start reforming
- nucleus divides
- chromosomes are at poles of cell
Cytokinesis
division of cytoplasm
Cytokinesis in plant cells
- cell plate forms across equator of cell ; cellulose, cell wall laid down
- cytoplasm is hence divided into 2
Cytokinesis in animal cells
- contractile ring forms, pushing the equator of cell inwards, forming a cleavage furrow
- cleavage furrow deepens as active filaments in the ring contract
- cell eventually splits into 2
Differences in plant & animal cell mitosis
- plant cells don’t have any visible centriole
- in plant cells, daughter cells get separated by cell plate, there is no cleavage furrow