AP Biology Cell Cycle

Front

What is the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Back

The G1 checkpoint is a control mechanism that ensures the cell is ready for DNA synthesis. It checks for DNA damage, cell size, and nutrient availability before allowing the cell to proceed to the S phase.

Front

What happens at the G2 checkpoint?

Back

The G2 checkpoint verifies that DNA has been replicated correctly and checks for DNA damage before the cell enters mitosis.

Front

What is the role of the M checkpoint?

Back

The M checkpoint ensures that all chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle apparatus before the cell proceeds with mitosis, preventing chromosome missegregation.

Front

Define tumor suppressor genes.

Back

Tumor suppressor genes are genes that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth and division. They can promote apoptosis if necessary to eliminate damaged cells.

Front

What is the function of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs)?

Back

CDKs are enzymes that regulate the cell cycle by phosphorylating target proteins, which is essential for the progression through different phases of the cell cycle.

Front

How do mutations in tumor suppressor genes contribute to cancer?

Back

Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to loss of function, resulting in uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining cellular health.

Front

Explain the significance of DNA repair mechanisms during the cell cycle.

Back

DNA repair mechanisms are critical for fixing DNA damage that occurs during replication or due to environmental factors, preventing mutations that could lead to cancer.

Front

What is the difference between proto-oncogenes and oncogenes?

Back

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that promote cell growth and division, while oncogenes are mutated forms that lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Front

Describe the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle.

Back

Checkpoints are regulatory pathways that monitor and verify whether the processes of the cell cycle have been accurately completed before progression to the next phase.