Chapter 9.3, Problem 1NV

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Definition of the terms cyclin, cyclin dependent kinase, cancer, carcinogen, apoptosis, and stem cells.

Explanation of Solution

Cyclins are protein molecules that are regulators of the cell cycle and each cycle is controlled by one of the cell cycles. Cyclins control the cells in proceeding from one stage of the cell cycle to the other.

Cyclin-dependent kinases are enzymes that link the specific cyclin to move to the next stage of the cycle. They are present in an inactive form and binding of cyclin activates them.

Cancer is described as abnormal cell growth and they are not controlled by the factors that are responsible for cell division. They lack the property of contact inhibition.

A carcinogen is a substance that is capable of causing a change in cell physiology and result in cancer.

Apoptosis is programmed cell death and it is involved in the removal of the damaged cells from the system.

Stem cells are defined as a cell which has the capability to produce different types of cells when the conditions are right. These are undifferentiated cells, which differentiate into other cells.