5.3 Regulation of the Cell Cycle

Front

What are kinases?

Back

Kinases are enzymes that add phosphate groups to proteins, playing a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle.

Front

What are cyclins?

Back

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which drive the cell through different phases.

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, including interphase and mitotic phase.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Apoptosis is the process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms, essential for maintaining healthy tissue.

Front

What is cancer?

Back

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, often due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle.

Front

What role do external factors play in the cell cycle?

Back

External factors, such as growth factors and nutrients, influence the cell cycle by signaling cells to divide or stop dividing.

Front

What happens during the G1 phase of the cell cycle?

Back

During the G1 phase, the cell grows and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA replication.

Front

What is the significance of the S phase in the cell cycle?

Back

The S phase is when DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical sets of chromosomes for cell division.

Front

What occurs during the G2 phase of the cell cycle?

Back

In the G2 phase, the cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis, ensuring all DNA is replicated and undamaged.

Front

What is the M phase of the cell cycle?

Back

The M phase, or mitotic phase, is when the cell divides its copied DNA and cytoplasm to form two new cells.