Name: Shannon Kelso

Access ID: smk5756

Exploratory Homework: Week 7 - Cellular Replication and Mitosis
I. Cell Cycle
Use the Wikipedia article Cell Cycle page (with links if necessary) to answer the following
questions.
1. In one sentence each, describe what major event(s) occur in the following stages.
G0 The cell has left the cycle, is resting, and is not dividing at this time.
G1 (gap/growth) The cell is growing in size (increases # of proteins & organelles) to
prepare for DNA synthesis.
S (synthesis) This is when DNA replication takes place, where the DNA is doubled.
G2 The cell continues to grow & prepares for mitosis.
M (Mitosis) The cell stops growing & nuclear division occurs, resulting in 2 daughter
cells (identical).
2. Which stages are included in interphase?
The 3 stages in interphase are G1, S, & G2. G0 is also included during interphase.
3. A cell is lacking proteins required for DNA replication. At which point of the cell cycle will the
cell be unable to proceed past?
The cell cycle will stop at the G1 checkpoint, & will be unable to continue onto the
synthesis stage.
4. What are chromatids and how would you use this word to describe chromosomes at the end
of S-phase?
Chromatids are 2 strands that are joined at the centromere. At the end of the S-phase the
# of chromosomes stay the same but the number of chromatids has duplicated.
5. What does CDK stand for?
CDK stands for cell dependent kinases/cyclin dependent kinases.
6. What molecule do CDKs require to be activated? What biochemical function does an
activate CDK perform?
Cyclins are required for CDKs to activate. Activated CDKs can then do phosphorylation.
7. (Cyclin/CDK) levels remain constant, while (cyclin/CDK) levels can fluctuate depending on
the stage of the cell cycle.

CDK; cyclin
8. What macromolecules are used in the cell cycle checkpoints and why are checkpoints
important to the cell cycle?
Checkpoints are important because they help regulate the cell cycle & prevent mutated
cells from developing & replicating. The macromolecules that are used in checkpoints
are proteins.
9. When do the three major checkpoints occur?
The 1st checkpoint occurs after the G1 stage but before the Synthesis; the 2nd checkpoint
occurs after the G2 stage but before Mitosis; and the last checkpoint occurs during
Mitosis at the spindle-assembly point in metaphase.
II. Mitosis
Use the Wikipedia article Mitosis to answer the following questions.
10. Describes events associated with the DNA, microtubules, and nucleus (only in
prophase and prometaphase, telophase) during each phase of mitosis in one or two
sentences.
Prophase chromosomes condense & mitotic spindle forms
Prometaphase the nuclear membrane degenerates
Metaphase chromosomes align on the metaphase plate; spindle assembly checkpoint
Anaphase sister chromatids separate & then migrate to opposite poles
Telophase the nuclear membrane forms around chromosomes

11. What is a centromere and what is its relationship to the kinetechore?

A centromere is a structure that the kinectochore attaches to & where the chromatids are
attached at.
12. What is aneuploidy?
Having a too many or too few chromosomes compared to the regular 46 amount.
III. Anaphase Promoting Complex
Use the Wikipedia article Anaphase Promoting Complex (APC) Function Section page
in Wikipedia to answer the following questions.

13. What is the function of APC and what are three important proteins it targets?
The function of APC is initiate the transition from metaphase to anaphase by degrading
specific proteins. Three important proteins that are targeted are securin and S & M
cyclins.
14. What is the ultimate consequence of securin degradation (final result in terms of
anaphase)?
Separase is released and sister chromosomes separate.