Cell Cycle Stages
In which stage of the cell cycle does a cell spend most of its life growing?
What is Interphase?
In which phase of mitosis do chromosomes line up in the center of the cell before they are separated?
What does it mean when a cell becomes specialized?
It takes on a specific job
What is a stem cell?
An unspecialized cell
How many chromosomes are in a normal human body cell?
46
During which part of interphase is DNA copied so that each daughter cell receives identical genetic information?
S phase
In which phase of mitosis are sister chromatids pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell?
Anaphase
What is the process called when an unspecialized cell becomes a specialized cell?
Differentiation
Why are stem cells important in the body?
For growth and repair
What is the difference between a chromosome and a chromatid?
A chromosome is full DNA; a chromatin is half.
What is the difference between mitosis and cytokinesis when a cell is making two new cells?
Mitosis divides the nucleus; cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm
During the mitotic phase, what is the order of the phases?
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase
How are red blood cells and white blood cells different in what they do?
Red blood cells carry oxygen; White blood cells fight infections
How are stem cells different from specialized cells?
They can become many cell types
Why do body cells use mitosis instead of meiosis?
To make identical cells
A cell that does not have sufficient nutrients or materials for duplicating DNA and organelles will likely stay in which stage of the cell cycle?
G1
What happens to chromosomes and the nucleus during prophase?
Chromosomes condense and the nuclear membrane breaks down.
Why is cell specialization necessary for complex organisms like humans?
It allows tissues and organs to function efficiently
What would happen if stem cells could not differentiate?
They would not be able to repair or replace cells
What can happen if cells keep dividing without control?
Cancer or tumors
Why are cell cycle checkpoints important for preventing harmful cell division?
They stop damaged or incorrect cells from dividing
Why is mitosis necessary for growth and tissue repair in multicellular organisms?
It produces identical cells for growth and repair
What level of organization is formed when specialized cells work together to perform a shared function?
Tissue
Why are stem cells useful in medicine?
It helps treat diseases and repair tissue
How does cell division help replace damaged cells in the body?
It produces new identical cells for repair