10 topics with brief reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
This section is dedicated to fundamental processes of cell life: its growth, reproduction, and programmed cell death. Although photosynthesis is traditionally included in the list of topics (as a crucial plastic process), the focus here is specifically on reproduction mechanisms.
In the section materials, you will find a detailed analysis of the cell cycle: from interphase to mitosis. We examine alternative division variants (amitosis, endomitosis and polyploidy), features of cell population renewal, mechanisms of cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis.
At colloquiums and exams, students are most often tripped up by cell cycle checkpoints, caspase cascades of apoptosis, and mitotic pathology, which underlies oncogenesis. This material is your rock-solid foundation for studying histology, genetics, and pathomorphology.
What type of metabolism does photosynthesis belong to?
Photosynthesis refers to anabolic processes (plastic metabolism), since complex carbohydrates are synthesized from simple inorganic substances during this process.
What is the difference between the cell cycle and the mitotic cycle?
The cell cycle is a broader concept encompassing the entire life of a cell from its appearance to death or division. The mitotic cycle is only that part of the cell cycle that includes preparation for division (interphase) and the division process itself (mitosis).
In which period of interphase does DNA replication occur?
DNA replication (doubling) occurs in the synthetic ($S$) phase.
In which phase of mitosis do chromosomes align along the equator?
In metaphase. The so-called metaphase plate is formed.
What serves as the source of new cells in renewing tissues?
Hepatocytes belong to slowly dividing cells of a growing population. Normally, they live in a resting state for a long time, but upon stimulation (e.g., partial hepatectomy), they re-enter the cell cycle to restore the organ.
What is the main consequence of mitotic pathology?
The main consequence is the emergence of daughter cells with unbalanced karyotypes, which constitutes mutations.
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