STAAR Biology Cell Cycle/Cancer Review

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What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is the series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and duplication (replication). It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and the mitotic phase (M).

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What occurs during interphase?

Back

During interphase, the cell grows, carries out normal functions, and prepares for division by replicating its DNA.

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What is DNA replication?

Back

DNA replication is the process by which a cell makes an exact copy of its DNA, occurring during the S phase of interphase.

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What is contact inhibition?

Back

Contact inhibition is a regulatory mechanism that prevents cells from dividing when they come into contact with each other.

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What happens to cells that lack contact inhibition?

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Cells that lack contact inhibition continue to grow and can form tumors.

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What are chromosomes?

Back

Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and genetic information. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

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What is the role of genes in cell specialization?

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Genes control the development of unspecialized cells into specialized cells by regulating which proteins are produced.

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What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.

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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 cells.

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What is the significance of the G1 phase in the cell cycle?

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The G1 phase is the first stage of interphase where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication.