The Amoeba Sisters: The Cell Cycle and Cancer Flashcard

Front

What is the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

Back

The G1 phase is the first stage of the cell cycle where the cell grows and carries out normal functions before DNA replication.

Front

What role does the protein Cdk play in the cell cycle?

Back

Cdk (Cyclin-dependent kinase) is a protein that positively regulates the cell cycle by activating other proteins through phosphorylation.

Front

What is the purpose of the G2 phase in the cell cycle?

Back

The G2 phase is the second growth phase where the cell checks if the DNA has been replicated correctly before proceeding to mitosis.

Front

What causes cancer cells to divide uncontrollably?

Back

Cancer cells often divide uncontrollably due to excessive cell division, which can result from mutations and loss of regulatory mechanisms.

Front

What is the function of the protein p53 in the cell cycle?

Back

The protein p53 is crucial for initiating apoptosis (programmed cell death) in response to DNA damage, helping to prevent the proliferation of damaged cells.

Front

What happens during the S phase of the cell cycle?

Back

During the S phase, DNA replication occurs, resulting in the duplication of the cell's genetic material.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms, helping to eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells.

Front

How do healthy cells communicate to regulate the cell cycle?

Back

Healthy cells communicate through signaling molecules that help regulate the cell cycle and ensure proper growth and division.

Front

What is the M phase of the cell cycle?

Back

The M phase (mitosis) is the stage where the cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to form two new daughter cells.

Front

What is the significance of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Back

Checkpoints are control mechanisms that ensure the cell cycle progresses only when certain conditions are met, preventing errors in cell division.