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SP26 Cell Cycle
| What is the cell cycle | The process by which a cell grows, copies its DNA, and divides into two daughter cells. |
| What are the main phases of the cell cycle | G1 (growth), S (DNA replication), G2 (preparation), and mitosis (division). |
| What is the main event during G1 phase | The cell grows in size and accumulates nutrients and proteins needed for DNA replication. |
| What is the main event during S phase | The cell replicates its DNA so that each daughter cell will receive an identical copy of genetic material. |
| What is the main event during G2 phase | The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis by producing proteins like tubulin needed for spindle fibers. |
| What happens during prophase | Chromosomes condense, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form from the centrosomes. |
| What happens during metaphase | Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator (metaphase plate) and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres. |
| What happens during anaphase | Sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell, pulled by spindle fibers. |
| What happens during telophase | Nuclear envelopes reform around the separated chromosomes, spindle fibers disappear, and chromosomes begin to unwind. |
| What are cell checkpoints | Control points in the cell cycle that check if conditions are right before the cell proceeds to the next phase. |
| What is the G1 checkpoint | A checkpoint that checks if the cell is ready to copy its DNA. If not, the cell stops or exits the cycle. |
| What is the G2/M checkpoint | A checkpoint that verifies DNA has been copied correctly before the cell divides. |
| What is a tumor suppressor gene | A gene that prevents uncontrolled cell division. Mutations in these genes can lead to cancer. |
| What is the p53 gene | A tumor suppressor gene called the "guardian of the genome" that detects DNA damage and stops cell division or triggers cell death. |
| What is an oncogene | A mutated gene that promotes excessive cell growth and division, contributing to cancer. |
| How does cancer develop | When cell cycle checkpoints fail and damaged cells divide uncontrollably, usually due to mutations in tumor suppressors or activation of oncogenes. |
| What is apoptosis | Programmed cell death that eliminates damaged cells. Cancer can develop when apoptosis fails and damaged cells survive. |
| What causes cancer | Mutations from environmental factors (UV light, tobacco, chemicals) that damage tumor suppressor genes or activate oncogenes. |
| What is cytokinesis | The physical division of the cytoplasm that occurs after mitosis, splitting one cell into two separate daughter cells. |
| Why is the S phase checkpoint important for preventing cancer | The S phase checkpoint ensures DNA is replicated accurately. If errors are detected, repairs are made before replication continues, preventing mutations that could lead to cancer. |