Definition of Terms gene - basic unit of heredity; codes for a specific trait locus - the specific location of a gene

on a chromosome (locus - plural loci) genome - the total hereditary endowment of DNA of a cell or organism somatic cell - all body cells except reproductive cells gamete - reproductive cells (i.e. sperm & eggs) chromosome - elongate cellular structure composed of DNA and protein - they are the vehicles which carry DNA in cells

diploid (2n) - cellular condition where each chromosome type is represented by two homologous chromosomes haploid (n) - cellular condition where each chromosome type is represented by only one chromosome homologous chromosome - chromosome of the same size and shape which carry the same type of genes chromatid - one of two duplicated chromosomes connected at the centromere centromere - region of chromosome where microtubules attach during mitosis and meiosis

Cell Cycle
- sequence

of phases in the life cycle of the cell

- the period from the beginning of one cell division to the beginning of the next cell division Two main parts 1. growth and preparation (interphase) 2. cell division A. mitosis (nuclear division) B. cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).

Cell Division - the distribution of identical material, DNA, to two daughters cells genetic

- functions in Reproduction, Growth and Repair

State quiescent/ senescent

Phase

Abbreviation

Description

Gap 0

G0

Resting phase period of activity characterized be growth and development DNA replication occur s during this phase. cell synthesizes organelles and other materials Cell growth stops at this stage and cellular energy is focused on the orderly division into two daughter cells.

Gap 1

G1

Interphase

Synthesis

Gap 2

G2

Cell division

Mitosis

Chromosome structure

PHASES OF MITOSIS

nterphase - The cell is engaged in metabolic activity and performing its prepare for mitosis. Chromosomes are not clearly discerned in the nucleus, although a dark spot called the nucleolus may be visible. The cell may contain a pair of centrioles (or microtubule organizing centers in plants) both of which are organizational sites for microtubules

Prophase: The chromatin, diffused in interphase, condenses into chromosomes. Each chromosome has duplicated and now consists of two sister chromatids. At the end of prophase, the nuclear envelope breaks down into vesicles.

Metaphase: The chromosomes align at the equatorial plate and are held in place by microtubules attached to the mitotic spindle and to part of the centromere.

Anaphase: The centromeres divide. Sister chromatids separate and move toward the corresponding poles.

Telophase: Daughter chromosomes arrive at the poles and the microtubules disappear. The condensed chromatin expands and the nuclear envelope reappears. The cytoplasm divides, the cell membrane pinches inward ultimately producing two daughter cells (phase: Cytokinesis).

MEIOSIS
-type of cell division by which germ cells (eggs

and sperm) are produced - process that reduces the number of chromosomes by half, so that the daughter cells are haploid (n) - Comprise of two successive nuclear divisions with only one round of DNA replication

STAGES OF MEIOSIS I.Interphase: Before meiosis begins, genetic material is duplicated. II. Meiosis 1 Prophase 1: Duplicated chromatin condenses. Each chromosome consists of two, closely associated sister chromatids. Crossing-over can occur during the latter part of this stage.
(Micrograph showing condensed chromosomes in blue and the mitotic spindle in green during prometaphase of mitosis)

Metaphase 1: Homologous chromosomes align at the equatorial plate.

Anaphase 1: Homologous pairs separate with sister chromatids remaining together.

 Telophase 1: Two daughter cells are formed with each daughter containing only one chromosome of the homologous pair.

III. Meiosis 2: Gamete formation Prophase 2: DNA does not replicate. Metaphase 2: Chromosomes align at the equatorial plate. Anaphase 2: Centromeres divide and sister chromatids migrate separately to each pole.

 Telophase 2: Cell division is complete. Four haploid daughter cells are obtained

OOGENESIS

CHECKPOINTS TO ENSURE FIDELITY OF CELL DIVISION 1. G1/S monitors the size of the cell and whether the DNA have been damaged 2.G2/M checkpoint controls the physiological conditions in the cell prior entering to mitosis, especially DNA replication 3. M checkpoint monitors the formation of spindle fibers to the kinetochores associated with the centromere If the regulation of the cell cycle was not met in some cases this may lead to tumor formation.

Amitosis
-the direct method of cell division characterized by simple division of the nucleus without formation of chromosomes