Chapter 12 - Cell Cycle Test Questions

What is a cell cycle checkpoint?

A checkpoint in the cell cycle is a control point where stop and go signals can regulate the cycle.

Define chromatin.

Chromatin is the entire complex of DNA and proteins that makes up chromosomes.

What are the components of the mitotic spindle? What is the source of these components?

In animal cells, the mitotic spindle, a structure consisting of fibers made of microtubules and associated proteins, emerges from the centrosome, a subcellular region containing material that functions throughout the cell to organize the cell's microtubules.

What are growth factors? How does PDGF stimulate fibroblast division?

M

What is the Go phase? Describe this phase.

Most cells of the human body are in the G0 phase, a nondividing state.

In animal cells, the assembly of spindle microtubules starts at the centrosome. What is another name for the centrosome?

The microtubule-organizing center is another name for the centrosome.

What is mitosis? How is it different from cytokinesis?

Mitosis, the division of the genetic material in the nucleus, is usually followed immediately by cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm.

Notice that now you are learning a number of differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Besides the fact that prokaryotes lack a membrane-bounded nucleus, describe the following differences: Mode of reproduction? Number of chromosomes? Shape of the bacterial chromosome?

Prokaryotes reproduce through binary fission, while eukaryotes reproduce through mitosis or meiosis.

How is the cell plate formed? What is the source of the material for the cell plate?

Vesicles from the Golgi apparatus containing cellulose move along microtubules to the center of the cell, where they coalesce, forming the cell plate, as new cell wall materials fuse with the plasma membrane and the old cell wall.

What is a gamete?

Reproductive cell.

Kinases drive the cell cycle, but they must be activated by attachment of a _________________.

Cyclin, a protein that derives its name from its cyclically fluctuating concentration in the cell. Because of this requirement, these kinases are called cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks).

Describe cytokinesis in a plant cell. Use a labeled sketch that shows the cell plate.

Cytokinesis in plant cells, which have cell walls, does not involve a cleavage furrow. Instead, during telophase, vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus move along microtubules to the middle of the cell, where they coalesce, producing acell plate. Cell wall materials carried in the vesicles collect in the cell plate as it grows. The cell plate enlarges until its surrounding membrane fuses with the plasma membrane along the perimeter of the cell. Two daughter cells result, each with its own plasma membrane. Meanwhile, a new cell wall arising from the contents of the cell plate has formed between the daughter cells.

Describe what happens to the centrosome during interphase and then prophase

During interphase in animal cells, the single centrosome duplicates, forming two centrosomes, which remain together near the nucleus. The two centrosomes move apart during prophase and prometaphase of mitosis as spindle microtubulesgrow out from them. By the end of prometaphase, the two centrosomes, one at each pole of the spindle, are at opposite ends of the cell.

The activity of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDks) rises and falls. Why?

The activity of a Cdk rises and falls with changes in the concentration of its cyclin partner.

What are the three key roles of cell division? State each role, and give an example

1) reproduction: amoeba dividing into two. 2) growth and development: sand dollar embryo dividing after fertilization. 3) tissue renewal: Bone marrow cells divide and give rise to new bone marrow.

At which end do kinetochore microtubules shorten during anaphase? Explain the data that supports where this shortening occurs

A 1987 experiment to determine whether kinetochore microtubules depolymerize at the kinetochore end or the pole end as chromosomes move toward the poles during mitosis concluded that the microtubule segments on the kinetochore side of the mark shorten, while those on the spindle pole side stay the same length. The experimenters marked a region of the kinetochore microtubules between one spindle pole and the chromosomes, then monitored the changes in microtubule length on either side of the mark. As the chromosomes moved poleward, the microtubule segments on the kinetochoreside of the mark shortened, while those on the spindle pole side stayed the same length.

Describe how bacteria reproduce, and explain how mitosis might have evolved from bacterial cell division.

Bacteria reproduce by a type of cell division called binary fission. a) Prokaryotes. During binary fission, the origins of the daughter chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell. The mechanism is not fully understood, but proteins may anchor the daughter chromosomes to specific sites on the plasma membrane. b) Dinoflagellates. In unicellular protists called dinoflagellates, the nuclear envelope remains intact during cell division, and the chromosomes attach to the nuclear envelope. Microtubules pass through the nucleus inside cytoplasmic tunnels, reinforcing the spatial orientation of the nucleus, which then divides in a fission process reminiscent of bacterial division. c) Diatoms. In another group of unicellular protists, the diatoms, the nuclear envelope also remains intact during cell division. But in these organisms, the microtubules form a spindle within the nucleus. Microtubules separate the chromosomes, and the nucleus splits into two daughter nuclei. d) Most eukaryotes. In most other eukaryotes, including plants and animals, the spindle forms outside the nucleus, and the nuclear envelope breaks down during mitosis. Microtubules separate the chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope then re-forms.

You are going to have to learn the difference between a number of similar-sounding terms. The sketch that looks like an X represents a replicated chromosome that has two sister chromatids. The narrow "waist" represents the location of the centromere. Students often get all these terms confused, so take time now to label the indicated areas of the figure and then define each of the terms below. chromosome chromatid centromere chromatin

Chromosome - A DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism. Chromatid - Each of the two threadlike strands into which a chromosome divides longitudinally during cell division. Each contains a double helix of DNA. Centromere - The region of a chromosome to which the microtubules of the spindle attach, via the kinetochore, during cell division. Chromatin - A complex of macromolecules found in cells, consisting of DNA, protein, and RNA. The function is to efficiently package DNA into a small volume to fit into the nucleus of a cell and protect the DNA structure and sequence.

What is a kinetochore? Read your text carefully, and then make a labeled sketch that shows a replicated chromosome with two kinetechores and some attached spindle fibers. Figure 12.7 may help.

Each of the two sister chromatids of a duplicated chromosome has a kinetochore, a structure of proteins associated with specific sections of chromosomal DNA at each centromere.

What are the components of the mitotic spindle?

Fibers made of microtubules and associated proteins.

Summarize what happens at each checkpoint. You may add to this chart as you study this section.

G1 - "Restriction point" in animal cells; continues on to G2 if go, will usually complete cycle; exits cell cycle and enters G0, a nondividing state, if no go; regulated by the activity of cyclin-Cdk protein complexes. G2 - MPF triggers cell's passage past G2 checkpoint into M phase if all chromosomes have been replicated. M - Irreversible anaphase stage entered only if all sister chromatids correctly attached to spindlemicrotubules

Label each of the parts of the cell cycle listed below, and give a brief explanation of what happens in each phase. G1 S G2 M

G1 - Cell grows S - Cell continues to grow as it copies its chromosomes G2 - Cell grows more as it completes preparations for cell division M - Cell divides

You will need to spend some serious time with Figure 12.6. Use it to help you label this figure. Label each phase by name; then label the smaller structures. Finally, make 2 or 3 summary statements that indicate important features to note about the phase.

G2 of Interphase A nuclear envelope encloses the nucleus, which contains one or more nucleoli. Two centrosomes , each containing two centrioles, are formed by the duplication of a single centrosome. Chromosomes, duplicated during S phase, cannot be individually distinguished because they have not yet condensed. Prophase The chromatin fibers condense into discrete chromosomes and the nucleoli disappear. Each duplicated chromosome appears as two identical sister chromatids joined at their centromeres and, in some species, all along their arms by cohesins. The mitotic spindle begins to form. It is composed of the centrosomes and the microtubules that extend from them. The radial arrays of shorter microtubules that extend from the centrosomes are called asters. The centrosomes move away from each other, propelled partly by the lengthening microtubules between them. Prometaphase The nuclear envelope fragments, and the microtubules extending from each centrosome can now invade the nuclear area. The chromosomes have become even more condensed. Each of the two chromatids of each chromosome now has a kinetochore, a specialized protein structure at the centromere. Some of the microtubules attach to the kinetochores, becoming "kinetochore microtubules," which jerk the chromosomes back and forth. Nonkinetochore microtubules interact with those from the opposite pole of the spindle Metaphase The centrosomes reach the opposite poles of the cell while the chromosomes convene at the metaphase plate, a plane that is equidistant between the spindle's two poles. The chromosomes' centromeres lie at the metaphaseplate. For each chromosome, the kinetochores of the sister chromatids are attached to kinetochore microtubules coming from opposite poles. Anaphase The shortest stage of mitosis, begins when the cohesin proteins are cleaved, allowing the two sister chromatids of each pair to part suddenly. Each chromatid thus becomes a full-fledged chromosome. The two liberated daughterchromosomes begin moving toward opposite ends of the cell as their kinetochore microtubules shorten. Because these microtubules are attached at the centromere region, the chromosomes move centromere first. The cell elongates as the nonkinetochore microtubules lengthen. By the end of anaphase, the two ends of the cell have equivalent and complete collections of chromosomes. Telophase and Cytokinesis Two daughter nuclei form in the cell. Nuclear envelopes arise from the fragments of the parent cell's nuclear envelope and other portions of the endomembrane system. Nucleoli reappear and the chromosomes become less condensed. Any remaining spindle microtubules are depolymerized. Mitosis, the division of one nucleus into two genetically identical nuclei, is complete. In animal cells, cytokinesis involves the formation of a cleavage furrow, which pinches the cell in two.

Cancer cells exhibit different behaviors than normal cells. Here are two normal behaviors they no longer show. Explain each behavior. density-dependent inhibition anchorage dependence

Growth factors are proteins released by certain cells that stimulate other cells to divide. Fibroblasts have PDGF (plateletderived growth factor) receptors on their plasma membranes. The binding of PDGF molecules to these receptor tyrosinekinases triggers a signal transduction pathway that allows the cells to pass the G1 checkpoint and divide.

Cancer cells also show loss of cell cycle controls and may divide without being checked. The story of HeLa cells is worth noting. What is their source? How old are they? Note that, unlike normal cells, HeLa cells are immortal!

HeLa cells are derived from a tumor removed from a woman named Henrietta Lacks in 1951 and are apparently immortal!

Describe cytokinesis in an animal cell. Use a labeled sketch that shows the cleavage furrow

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs by a process known as cleavage. The first sign of cleavage is the appearance of a cleavage furrow, a shallow groove in the cell surface near the old metaphase plate. On the cytoplasmic side of the furrow is a contractile ring of actin microfilaments associated with molecules of the protein myosin. The actin microfilaments interact with the myosin molecules, causing the ring to contract. The contraction of the dividing cell's ring of microfilaments is like the pulling of a drawstring. The cleavage furrow deepens until the parent cell is pinched in two, producing two completely separated cells, each with its own nucleus and share of cytosol, organelles, and othersubcellular structures.

Prokaryote reproduction does not involve mitosis, but instead occurs by binary fission. This process involves an origin of replication. Describe binary fission.

In binary fission, a prokaryotic cell grows to roughly double its size, then divides to form two cells.

What does MPF trigger? What are some specific activities that it triggers?

MPF (maturation-promoting factor) triggers the cell's passage past the G2 checkpoint into M phase. For example, MPF causes phosphorylation of various proteins of the nuclear lamina, which promotes fragmentation of the nuclear envelopeduring prometaphase of mitosis.

What occurs in meiosis? How is the chromosome number of daughter cells different?

Meiosis is the variation of cell division that produces gametes, which yields nonidentical daughter cells that have only one set of chromosomes, half as many chromosomes as the parent cell.

Select either mitosis or meiosis to answer the following questions. ___________________ By what process are the damaged cells in a wound replaced? ___________________ By what process are eggs formed? ___________________ By what process does a zygote develop into a multicellular organism? ___________________ In which process are identical daughter cells produced? ___________________ Which process reduces chromosome number of daughter cells?

Mitosis Meiosis Mitosis Mitosis Meiosis

Distinguish between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor

Most benign tumors do not cause serious problems and can be completely removed by surgery. In contrast to benign tumors, whose abnormal cells remain at the original site if they have too few genetic and cellular changes to survive at another site, malignant tumors include cells whose genetic and cellular changes enable them to spread to new tissues and impair the functions of one or more organs. An individual with a malignant tumor is said to have cancer.

What controls the cell cycle? Study the Inquiry Figure 12.13 to help you answer this question.

Prokaryotes typically contain a single bacterial chromosome, while eukaryotes usually contain several chromosomes.

What is a protein kinase?

Protein kinases are enzymes that activate or inactivate other proteins by phosphorylating them. Particular protein kinases give the go-ahead signals at the G1 and G2 checkpoints.

How many DNA molecules are in each of your somatic cells?

Since each chromosome consists of one DNA molecule, each human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes. A DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism.

Name two types of somatic cells in your body.

Somatic cells include bone cells and liver cells.

Name the two types of gametes.

Sperm are the gametes in males and eggs are the gametes in females.

What is meant by the cell cycle?

The cell cycle is the life of a cell from the time it is first formed from a dividing parent cell until its own division into two daughter cells. This process is cyclical because every cell forms from a preexisting cell.

List two specific cancer treatments, and tell how each treatment works

The chemotherapeutic drug Taxol freezes the mitotic spindle by preventing microtubule depolymerization, which stops actively dividing cells from proceeding past metaphase. Also, the cells of about 20-25% of breast cancer tumors show abnormally high amounts of a cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinase called HER2, and many show an increase in the number of estrogen receptor (ER) molecules, intracellular receptors that can trigger cell division. In this case, chemotherapy can be prescribed with a molecule that blocks the function of the specific protein (herceptin for HER2 and tamoxifen for ERs).

A hedgehog has 90 chromosomes in its somatic cells. a. How many chromosomes did the hedgehog inherit from each parent? b. How many chromosomes are in each of the hedgehog's gametes? c. How many chromosomes will be in each somatic cell of the hedgehog's offspring?

The hedgehog inherited 45 chromosomes from each parent. There are 45 chromosomes in each of the hedgehog's gametes. Ninety chromosomes will be in each somatic cell of the hedgehog's offspring.

How many chromosomes are in a human somatic cell?

The nuclei of human somatic cells each contain 46 chromosomes, made up of two sets of 23, one set inherited from each parent.

How many chromosomes in a human gamete?

The term haploid can also refer to the number of chromosomes in egg or sperm cells, which are also called gametes. In humans, gametes are haploid cells that contain 23 chromosomes, each of which a one of a chromosome pair that exists in diploid cells.

What happens if all the chromosome kinetochores are not attached to spindle fibers? When this occurs, which checkpoint is not passed?

This condition keeps the cell from passing the M checkpoint. Anaphase, the separation of sister chromatids, does not begin until all the chromosomes are properly attached to the spindle at the metaphase plate.

What is transformation? metastasis?

Transformation is the process that converts a normal cell to a cancer cell. Cancer cells may secrete signaling molecules that cause blood vessels to grow toward the tumor. A few tumor cells may separate from the original tumor, enter blood vessels and lymph vessels, and travel to other parts of the body. There, they may proliferate and form a new tumor. This spread of cancer cells to locations distant from their original site is called metastasis.

Explain the difference between kinetochore and non kinetechore microtubules. What is the function of each?

Unlike nonkinetochore microtubules, kinetochore microtubules attach to the kinetochores and jerk the chromosomes back and forth, eventually aligning them along the metaphase plate. In a dividing animal cell, the nonkinetochoremicrotubules are responsible for elongating the whole cell during anaphase.

What is the meaning of genome? Compare your genome to that of a prokaryotic cell.

all genetic information of an organism. Human genome is made up of many molecules of DNA, not just one circular molecule.