Cell Cycle
What are the two stages of cell DIVISION?
mitosis & cytokinesis
What is a mass of rapidly dividing cells called?
tumor (or neoplasm)
The process by which cells become specialized, in structure & function
differentiation
What is the spread of cancer cells beyond their original site?
metastasis
What is the phase of the cell cycle in which chromosomes are visible and are being pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell?
What is the phase in which chromosomes are visible and lined up across the middle of a cell?
metaphase
What is cancer is CAUSED by?
defects in genes
Noncoding, repetitive DNA sequence at the end of chromosomes.
telomeres
Name 2 common symptoms of cancer (there are multiple possible answers)
Abnormal lumps
Obvious changes in a wart or a mole
A change in bowel or bladder habits
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Persistent cough or blood-tinged saliva
A sore that does not heal
Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing
Unexplained fatigue
What is the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in 2 new daughter cells?
cytokinesis
What is the period of growth in-between cell divisions?
Interphase
The name for a mutated gene that can transform a normal cell into a tumor cell.
oncogene
Special cells that can divide indefinitely because they continue to make telomerase
stem cells
Cancerous tumors are referred to as ___________.
malignant
What is the end result of cell division?
2 daughter cells with identical DNA
What is the structure that helps divide plant cells during cytokinesis?
Cell Plate
What are proteins that stimulate division called?
growth factors
Special term for cells that are able to develop into ANY type of cell found in the body
totipotent
What is a type of test that looks for cancer indicators before a person has any symptoms?
screening
What is the division of the cell nucleus?
mitosis
What is the phase in which the nuclear envelope breaks down and chromatin condenses into chromosomes?
prophase
The type of regulation in which the presence of other cells causes cells to stop dividing.
Density-dependent inhibition
A hollow ball of cells with an inner cell mass, formed about 4 days after fertilization
blastocyst
What is a sample of cells or tissue that is removed & examined under a microscope?
Biopsy
What is uncoiled DNA combined with histone proteins called?
chromatin