AS 5 Mitotic Cell Cycle
Chromosomes
Chromosomes are made of one very long, condensed DNA molecule associated
with proteins (in eukaryotic cells)
The main proteins present are the large positively charged globular proteins
called histones,
their role is to organise and condense the DNA tightly so that it fits into
the nucleus
The other proteins are enzymes used in copying and repairing the DNA
The tightly coiled combination of DNA and proteins is called chromatin – this is
what chromatids, and therefore chromosomes, are made of
During interphase (S phase) the DNA replicates to create two identical strands of
DNA called chromatids, joined together by a narrow region called the
centromere
Each chromatid is made up of one very long, condensed DNA molecule, which is
made up of a series of genes
The ends of the chromatids in chromosomes are ʻsealedʼ with protective structures
called telomeres
Cell Cycle
Mitosis is part of a precisely controlled process known as the cell cycle
The cell cycle has three phases:
interphase
nuclear division (mitosis)
cell division (cytokinesis)
Interphase
During Interphase the cell increases in mass and size and carries out its normal
cellular functions
Has 3 phases
G1 phase]
transcription / translation occurs
S phase
DNA replication occurs
G2 phase
transcription / translation occurs and errors are checked
Mitosis
Cell growth stops during the M phase
4 stages
Prophase
Chromosomes condense
sister chromatids are joined together at the centromere
The two centrosomes move towards opposite poles
Spindle fibres begin to emerge from the centrosomes
The nuclear envelope breaks down
Metaphase
Centrosomes reach opposite poles
Spindle fibres continue to extend from centrosomes
Chromosomes line up at the equator
Each sister chromatid is attached to a spindle fibre originating from
opposite poles
Anaphase
The sister chromatids separate at the centromere
Spindle fibres begin to shorten
The separated sister chromatids are pulled to opposite poles by the
spindle fibres
Telophase
Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense
Nuclear envelopes forms
The spindle fibres break down
Cytokinesis
Once the nucleus has divided into two genetically identical nuclei, the whole cell
divides and one nucleus moves into each cell to create two genetically identical
daughter cells
The Significance of Telomeres
The ends of the chromatids in chromosomes are ʻsealedʼ with protective structures
called telomeres
They are made of non-coding DNA (DNA that does not contain genes) that is
made up of short base sequences that are repeated many times
The main function of telomeres is to ensure that the very ends of the DNA
molecules are included in DNA replication during mitosis
Telomeres therefore act as a ‘buffer’ region of non-essential DNA and ensure that
no important coding sections near the ends of the DNA molecules are left out of
the replication process
To avoid the risk of losing genes most cells have an enzyme called telomerase that
adds additional bases at each end (the telomeres)
The Significance of Stem Cells
A stem cell is a cell that can divide an unlimited number of times
This ability of stem cells to differentiate into more specialised cell types is known
as potency
Totipotency
cells that can differentiate into any cell type found in an embryo, as well as
extra
Pluripotency
stem cells are embryonic stem cells that can differentiate into any cell type
found in an embryo but are not able to differentiate into extra
Multipotency
adult stem cells that have lost some of the potency associated with
embryonic stem cells and are no longer pluripotent
Multipotent adult stem cells
Although these adult stem cells can divide (by mitosis) an unlimited number of
times, they are only able to produce a limited range of cell types
the stem cells found in bone marrow are multipotent adult stem cells – they can
only differentiate into blood cells
stem cells can be found throughout the body (eg. in the bone marrow, skin, gut,
heart and brain)
How a tumor Forms
Cancers start when changes occur in the genes that control cell division
Some tumours spread through the body, invading and destroying other tissues –
these are known as malignant tumours and cause cancer
Malignant tumours interfere with the normal functioning of the organ / tissue
in which they have started to grow
Malignant tumour cells can break off the tumour and travel through the blood
and / or lymphatic system to form secondary growths in other parts of the
body
Summary
