Cell Cycle & Cancer

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What is the cell cycle?

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The cell cycle is the series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. It includes interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).

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What happens during interphase?

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Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and prepares for mitosis. It consists of G1 (growth), S (DNA synthesis), and G2 (preparation for mitosis).

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What is mitosis?

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Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

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What is cytokinesis?

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Cytokinesis is the final step of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

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What is a chromosome?

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A chromosome is a structure made of DNA and protein that contains genetic information. Humans have 46 chromosomes in total.

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What is anaphase?

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Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

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What is a checkpoint in the cell cycle?

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A checkpoint is a regulatory point in the cell cycle where the cell assesses whether to proceed with division, ensuring that conditions are favorable.

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What is cancer?

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Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division, leading to the formation of tumors and the potential spread of cancerous cells.

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What is a benign tumor?

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A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

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What is a malignant tumor?

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A malignant tumor is a cancerous growth that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).