CELL CYCLE

A set of events that occur during a cell`s lifetime. From the time a cell is born until it divides. Cycle is
repeated for each cell. Includes: growth, preparation and division. Consists of three major stages:
interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis.

Interphase:

Cell spend about 90% of the cycle in here. Broken down into three phases.

Gap 1

Synthesis: Cells in this phase are copying all the DNA found in the nucleus. Synthesis is referring to the
building of new DNA molecules necessary to ensure that both cells that result from division have 100%
DNA.

Gap 2: Growth 2. Cells in the phase are checking to make sure their DNA has been replicated correctly.
Check to make sure all organelles are copied.

Assuming everything is ready at the G2 phase, the cell will proceed to division. Cell division in humans is
called mitosis. Has 4 phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.

Prophase: (first) DNA thickens into chromosomes. (REPLICATED). Each side of the X is called a
CHROMATID. Nuclear membrane dissolves.

Metaphase: (middle) SPINDLE FIBERS attach to centromere of chromosome. Move chromosomes to

cell`s equator. Centrioles found at opposite ends of cell.

Anaphase: Spindle fibers shorten, pulling chromosomes in half. Sister chromatids split apart. Chromatids
move toward opposite sides of cell. Chromatids are now called chromosomes.

Telophase: Chromosomes reach the cell`s poles. Two new nuclei from one around each set of
chromosomes at opposite ends. Chromosomes unwind. Spindle fibers dissolve.

Cytokinesis: The final stage of cell division. Literally means cytoplasm divides. Cell pinches in half. The
pinch is called a cleavage furrow.

Differentiation

Humans are conceived when a sperm and egg unite, forming a single celled zygote.

Zygotes are unspecialized. When we are born, we have more than 260 specialized cell types.

Cells specialize by differentiating into certain cell types. They turn off parts of DNA that they don’t need.
Use only the parts of DNA that are needed to become a specific cell. Cells that are specialized generally
can’t change and become other cell types.

Stem cells are specialized cells that can become any type of cell in the body. Stem cells found in every
organ in the body. Stimulated to divide when growth is needed, and damage needs to be repaired.

When a stem cell divides two cells are produced through mitosis. One cell is a new stem cell
(unspecialized). One cell is called a progenitor cell. Somewhat specialized will divide many more times,
with each daughter cell become more and more specialized. Cells “decide” to become specialized at
the end of the G1 phase of cell cycle.

Apoptosis

Defined as programmed cell death. Happens at the end of G1 in cell cycle. Occurs for many reasons.
Sculpting organs from overgrown tissue in the fetus. Removes webbing between fingers as fetus.
Destroys skin cells following a sunburn.

WHAT IS NEOPLASM?

 Lay term of “tumour” conveys usual connotations – ie a new growth or mass. Definition revolves
around these features: Monoclonal proliferation of cells with specific mutations., Excessive and
unregulated growth of these cells, often at the expense of surrounding normal tissue. Literally means
new growth.

An abnormal tissue mass that grows by cellular proliferation more rapidly than normal tissue
mass, and continuous to grow after the stimuli that initiated the new growth cease.

TERMINOLOGIES