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GRE Cell Biology: Cell Cycle

Subjects : gre, science, biology
Instructions:
  • Answer 50 questions in 15 minutes.
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  • Match each statement with the correct term.
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This is a study tool. The 3 wrong answers for each question are randomly chosen from answers to other questions. So, you might find at times the answers obvious, but you will see it re-enforces your understanding as you take the test each time.
1. A nonmembranous organelle that functions throughout the cell cycle to organize the cell'S microtubules. A pair of centrioles is located at the center of the centrosome - but the centrioles are not essential for cell division (most centrosomes of plan






2. An imaginary plane that is equidistant between the spindle'S two poles where the chromosome'S centromeres lie during metaphase.






3. Reproductive cells--sperm and egg cells. Have half as many chromosomes as somatic cells. Have one set of 23 chromosomes in humans.






4. Usually immediately follows mitosis. The division of the cytoplasm of a cell-where one cell becomes two - each genetically equivalent to the parent cell. Involves the formation of a cleavage furrow - which pinches the cell in two.






5. Where the DNA molecules are packaged into. Each eukaryotic species has a characteristic number of chromosomes in each cell nucleus. Each single chromosome contains one very long - linear DNA molecule that carries several hundred to a few thousand gen






6. Exhibited by most animal cells. In order to divide - the cells must be attached to a substratum like the extracellular matrix of a tissue. Experiments suggest that anchorage is signaled to the cell cycle control system via pathways involving plasma m






7. Forms during telophase in plant cells in preparation for cytokinesis. Formed by vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus moving along microtubules to the middle of the cell and coalescing. Enlarges until its surrounding membrane fuses with the plas






8. Cyclin-Dependent Kinases.Enzymes that activate or inactive other proteins by phosphorylating them. Particular ones give the go-ahead signals at the G1 and G2 checkpoints. Present at a constant concentration in the growing cell - but much of the time






9. A phenomenon in which crowded cells stop dividing. When a cell population reaches a certain density - the availability of nutrients becomes insufficient to allow continued cell growth and division. Not exhibited in cancer cells.






10. A part of the cell cycle - which includes both mitosis and cytokinesis.






11. Made by platelets (blood cells). Required for the division of fibroblasts (a type of connective tissue cell that synthesizes the ECM and collagen and is important in wound healing): fibroblasts have PDGF receptors that are tyrosine kinases on their p






12. Abnormal cells remain at the original sight after transformation (the process that converts normal cells to cancer cells). Usually do not cause serious problems and can be removed by surgery.






13. A specific protein release by certain cells that stimulates other cells to divide.






14. The life of a cell from the time it is first formed from a dividing parent cell until its own division into two cells.






15. The reproduction of cells






16. The nondividing state in the cell cycle. If a cell does not receive a go-ahead signal in the G1 phase - it will exit the cycle and switch into this state. In the human body - fully formed - mature nerve and muscle cells are in this state and never di






17. A part of the cell cycle. Often accounts for about 90% of the cell cycle. In this phase - the cell grows and copies its chromosomes in preparation for cell division.






18. No cleavage furrow. During telophase - vesicles derived from the Golgi apparatus move along microtubules to the middle of the cell - where they coalesce - producing the cell plate.






19. A critical control point where stop and go-ahead signals can regulate the cycle. Signals often report whether crucial cellular processes up to that point have been completed correctly and thus whether or not the cell cycle should proceed. Also regis






20. First phase of Mitosis. The chromatin fibers become more tightly coiled - condensing into discrete chromosomes observable with a light microscope. Nucleoli disappear. Each duplicated chromosome appears as two identical sister chromatids joined togeth






21. A cell'S endowment of DNA






22. A specific place on the bacterial chromosome where the process of cell division begins by DNA replication - producing two origins. As the chromosome begins to replicate - one origin moves rapidly toward the opposite end of the cell.






23. The spindle microtubules that attach to the kinetochores during prometaphase. During anaphase - the kinetochore microtubules shorten at their kinetochore end - not their spindle pore ends. Experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that the prima






24. 'Maturation-promoting Factor' or 'M-Phase-promoting Factor' Example of cell cycle control molecules.The cyclin-Cdk complex that was first discovered. Triggers the cells passage past the G2 checkpoint into M phase by phosphorylating a variety of prot






25. Two main types: kinases and cyclins.






26. First phase of interphase. Major period of cell growth. Most variable length in length for all the phases in different types of cells.






27. Could be an example of cases where ancestral mechanisms have remained relatively unchanged over evolutionary time. The nuclear envelope remains intact during cell division and the chromosomes attach to the nuclear envelope. Microtubules pass through






28. Second phase of interphase. The phase in which chromosomes are duplicated. Occurs between G1 and G2 phase.






29. Fourth phase of mitosis. The shortest stage of mitosis. Begins with the two sister chromatids of each pair being pulled apart--each becoming a full fledged chromosome. The two liberated chromosomes begin moving towards opposite ends of the cell - as






30. Experiments have demonstrated that the sequential events of the cell cycle are directed by this cyclically operating set of molecules in the cell that both triggers and coordinates key events in the cell cycle.






31. Prophase - prometaphase - metaphase - anaphase - and telophase.






32. All body cells except the reproductive ones. The nuclei of human somatic cells contain 46 chromosomes made up of two sets of 23 - one set inherited from each parent.






33. Begins to form in the cytoplasm during prophase. Consists of fibers made of microtubules - centrosomes and associated proteins. While it assembles - other microtubules of the cytoskeleton partially disassemble - probably providing the material used t






34. A type of unicellular protist. Mostly marine plankton.






35. A structure of proteins associated with specific sections of chromosomal DNA at the centromere. Each of the two sister chromatids has one. The chromosome'S two kinetochores face in opposite directions and during prometaphase - some of the spindle mic






36. The narrow 'waist' at a specialized region where two chromatids are most closely attached.






37. The division of the nucleus






38. The process by which cytokinesis occurs in animal cells. The first sign of this beginning is the appearance of a cleavage furrow.






39. Proteins that get their name from their cyclically fluctuating concentration in the cell. Activate kinases when the attach to them.






40. A type of unicellular protist.






41. Second phase of mitosis. The nuclear envelope fragments. The microtubules of the spindle can now invade the nuclear area and interact with the chromosome - which have become even more condensed. Microtubules extend from each centrosome towards the m






42. Could be an example of cases where ancestral mechanisms have remained relatively unchanged over evolutionary time. The nuclear envelope remains intact during cell division. The microtubules for a spindle within the nucleus and then separate the chrom






43. Abnormal cancer cells that become invasive enough to impair the functions or one or more organs form this. An individual with a malignant tumor is said to have cancer. Abnormalities in cells of malignant tumors: they may have unusual number of chromo






44. Each duplicated chromosome has two sister chromatids. Each contain an identical DNA molecule and are initially attached by adhesive proteins all along their lengths. Are most closely attached to one another at the centromere.






45. A radial array of short microtubules that extend from each centrosome. (Do not connect to kinetochore.)






46. Most genes are carried on a single bacterial chromosome that consists of a circular DNA molecule and associated proteins. The process begins when the DNA of the bacterial chromosome begins to replicate at the origin of replication - producing two or






47. A shallow groove in the cell surface near the old metaphase plate. Indicates the beginning of cleavage during cytokinesis. On the cytoplasmic side of the furrow is a contractile ring of actin microfilaments associated with molecules of the protein my






48. The spread of cancer cells to locations distant from their original site.






49. A type of cell division that prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) undergo to reproduce.






50. G1 phase (first gap) - S phase ('Synthesis') - and G2 phase (second gap). During all phases - the cell grows by producing proteins and cytoplasmic organelles such as mitochondria and the ER.