Cancer
A random change in the base sequence (structure) of DNA
What is a mutation?
The division of a nucleus (nuclear division) into two so that the two daughter cells have exactly the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cells
What is Mitosis?
A constriction of the chromosome ; the region that becomes attached to the spindle prior to nuclear division
What is a centromere?
The stage in nuclear division in which chromosomes become arranged at the equator of the spindle
What is metaphase?
A relatively unspecialized cell that retains the ability to divide an unlimited number of times, and which has the potential to become a specialized cell (such as a blood cell or muscle cell)
What is a stem cell?
A substance or environmental factor that can cause cancer
What is a carcinogen?
DNA is checked prior to mitotic phase and any errors are repaired
What is Gap 2?
Basic protein (rich in the amino acids arginine and lysine) that forms the nucleosome scaffolding of chromosome; interact with DNA to provide a way to package a very long molecule into a very small space
What is a histone?
The phase in nuclear division in which the daughter nuclei are formed
What is telophase?
An organelle consisting of two centrioles, situated near the nucleus in animal cells and involved in the formation of the spindle prior to nuclear division; acts as a microtubule organizing center (MTOC)
What are centrosomes?
A breakdown in the usual control mechanisms that regulate cell division; certain cells divide uncontrollably and form tumors
What is cancer?
Molecules are made in preparation for replication and protein synthesis; cell grows in size and synthesizes mRNA and proteins in preparation for subsequent steps leading to mitosis
What is Gap 1?
Repetitive sequence of DNA at the end of a chromosome that protects genes from the chromosome shortening that happens at each cell division
What is a telomere?
The division of the cytoplasm and cell into two by constriction from the edges of the cell
What is cytokinesis?
The sequence of events that takes place from one cell division until the next; it is made up of interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis
What is the cell cycle?
Cells may break away and form secondary tumors in other areas of the body (metastasis)
What is metastasis?
The period in the cell cycle between one mitosis and the next and during when DNA is replicated
What is Interphase?
A heritable factor that controls a specific characteristic
What is a gene?
The first stage in nuclear division during which the replicated chromosomes become visible; the nuclear envelope and nucleolus disappears
What is prophase?
Eukaryotic cell or organism containing two complete sets of chromosomes (two copies of each homologous chromosome), shown as 2n, such as a human body (somatic ) cell
What is diploid?
Mutated gene that causes cancer
What is an oncogene?
DNA replication, making of a new copy of an existing molecule; DNA is replicated in the nucleus so that each chromosome consists of 2 identical chromatids
What is Synthesis?
One of two identical parts of a chromosome, held together by a centromere, formed during interphase by the replication of the DNA strand; referred to as sisters
What is a chromatid or Sister chromatids?
Phase in mitosis where the chromosomes move to opposite poles of the spindles
What is anaphase?
A protein structure found at the centromere of a chromatid to which microtubules attach during nuclear division
What is a kinetochore?