MODULE 4: GENBIO

• Cell division involves the distribution of identical genetic material, DNA, to two daughter cells.
• The fidelity with which the DNA is passed along, without dilution or error, from one generation to the next, is remarkable.
• All organisms consist of cells and arise from preexisting cells.
• Mitosis is the process by which new cells are generated.
• Meiosis is the process by which gametes are generated for reproduction.
• The cell cycle represents all phases in the life of a cell.
• DNA replication (S phase) must precede mitosis, so that all daughter cells receive the same complement of chromosomes as the parent cell.
• Stage 4 cancer means the cancer has spread from where it started to another body organ, which is also called secondary or metastatic cancer.
• The gap phases separate mitosis from S phase.
• Mitosis involves the separation of copied chromosomes into separate cells.
• Unregulated cell division can lead to cancer.
• Cell-cycle checkpoints normally ensure that DNA replication and mitosis occur only when conditions are favorable and the process is working correctly.
• Mutations in genes that encode cell-cycle proteins can lead to unregulated growth, resulting in tumor formation and ultimately invasion of cancerous cells to another organ.
• A gene is the basic unit of heredity and codes for a specific trait.
• A locus is the specific location of a gene on a chromosome.
• A genome is the total hereditary endowment of DNA of a cell or organism.
• A somatic cell is all body cells except reproductive cells.
• A gamete is a reproductive cell such as a sperm or egg.
• A chromosome is an elongate cellular structure composed of DNA and protein and is the vehicle which carries DNA in cells.
• Diploid (2n) is a cellular condition where each chromosome type is represented by two homologous chromosomes.
• Haploid (n) is a cellular condition where each chromosome type is represented by only one chromosome.
• Homologous chromosomes are chromosomes of the same size and shape which carry the same type of genes.
• A chromatid is one of two duplicated chromosomes connected at the centromere.
• The centromere is the region of chromosome where microtubules attach during mitosis and meiosis.
• Interphase is the "resting" or non-mitotic portion of the cell cycle, comprised of G1, S, and G2 stages of the cell cycle.
• Sarcoma is a type of cancer that begins in the connective or supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
• Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in glandular cells called adenomatous cells that produce fluids to keep tissues moist.
• Stage 3 usually means the cancer is larger.
• Brain and spinal cord cancers, also known as central nervous system cancers, can start in the cells of the brain or spinal cord.
• Basal cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in basal cells found in the deepest layer of skin cells.
• Cancers of blood cells are conditions in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells.
• Staging is important because it helps your treatment team to know which treatments you need.
• Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in cartilage.
• Transitional cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells that can stretch as an organ expands, and they make up tissues called transitional epithelium, for example, the lining of the bladder.
• DNA is replicated during the S phase of Interphase.
• Glioma is the most common type of brain tumor that develops from glial cells.
• Rhabdomyosarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in muscle cells.
• Bone sarcomas are sarcomas that start from bone cells.
• Leukemia is a type of cancer that starts in blood forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and go into the blood.
• Soft tissue sarcomas are rare but the most common types start in cartilage or muscle.