Four “events” in cell division
Binary fission
In prokaryots.
1. Signal: environmental conditions, like nutrient availability.
2. DNA replication: single, circular chromosome. Replication complex (DNA pol and other proteins) start replicating DNA at Ori site. Replication ends at Ter site. Cell grows as replication progresses.
3. DNA segregation: ori regions of chromosome move to opposite ends of the cell.
4. Cytokinesis: protein ring (tubulin-like) pinches plasma membrane. The structure septum divides the mother cell just before it divides into two daughter cells.
Chromosomes eukaryotes
In the nucleus, loosely organized and not condensed.
Human karyotype
The ordered arrangement of metaphase chromosomes. The centromere is the constricted region of metaphase ch.
Organized chromosomes. Two of each, they are homologous. 23 pairs. 22 autosomes and 1 pair of the sex chromosomes, XX or XY. Displayed at metaphase. At this stage, the DNA has been replicated but not segregated, so in reality there are 92 chromosomes in the picture.
Human chromosomes
Chromatid
One half of two identical copies of a replicated ch. Joined at centromere.
Chromatin
Complex of DNA and proteins that forms ch in eukaryotic cells.
Phases in cell cycle
The mitotic cell cycle:
Interphase: G1, S and G2.
Signal for cell division
Specific signal required in the cells of multicellular organisms. Only enough nutrients are not sufficient, otherwise cancer.
Quiescent
Cells in G0 that don’t divide. Arrest in G1. Cells can go back and forth from G0. 2C, 2n.
Interphase
G1, S-phase and G2.
G1
Gap 1. A lot of growth. Time can vary a lot, typically around eight hours. 2C, 2n.
S-phase
DNA synthesis and centrosome replication. Lasts about eight hours. 4C, 2n.
G2
Gap 2. Growth. Lasts around four hours. 4C, 2n.
M-phase
Mitosis or meiosis. Seperation of the chromosomes. Cytokinesis. Usually less than an hour. 2x(2C, 2n) in mitosis.
C and n
C: number of genome copies
n: number of haploid genomes
Regulation of progression through cell cycle
The S phase cell containt a substance that diffuses to the G1 nucleus and activates DNA replication. This can also effect cells in G2 in experiments.
What is cyclin and cdk
Many different types of both. Cdk is a cyclin dependent kinase. Cdk is always present, but its active site is not exposed. Cyclin protein is made only at a certain point in the cell cycle, and are then degraded. The levels of cyclin are cyclical through the cell cycle.
How does cdk and cyclin work?
When cyclin reaches high enough levels, it interracts with its Cdk.
1. Cyclin binding changes Cdk, exposing its active site.
2. A protein substrate and ATP bind to Cdk. The protein substrate is phosphorylated.
3. The phosphorylated protein regulates the cell cycle. Each Cdk has specific protein targets.
This allows progression through the cell cycle. ADP is biproduct.
Restriction points regulated by cyclin
Restriction point
The G1 check point.
Cyclin regulation of the restriction point (G1)
Cdk is always present, but inactive. In G1, the cell recieves signal. The gene for the G1 cyclin is exposed and transcribed. It binds to Cdk, proteins become phosphorylated, and allows progression through the checkpoint. The cyclin is degraded in mitosis.
The four cyclins
Cyclin D: G1 (restriction point). High throughout the cell cycle, low in mitosis. Cdk 4 and 6. Signal to divide if there is no DNA damage.
Cyclin E: S (G1/S). Goes up in G1, down in early S. Cdk2. Checks for cell size and DNA damage.
Cyclin A and B: G2. Goes up in S phase. A persists in G2, B breaks at metaphase. Cdk 1, 2. Checks for DNA damage.
APC: M (spindle checkpoint). Activates seperase, degrades cyclin B. M-Cdk. Checks that all chromosomes are under tension (attached to spindle).
G1/S checkpoint, Rb, p21
Verifies absence of DNA damage before proceeding to S phase. Cyclin E.
Levels accumulate, interracts with Cdk2. Cdk2 phosphorylates the protein Rb (inhibitor). It is then not going to be able to stop the progression. Rb is a tumor supressor. It hinders progression if there is DNA damage. It is a supressor protein. Active Rb inhibits a transcription factor E2F, which is necessary to transcribe proteins required to move into S phase.
If there is damage, p21 is expressed and binds Cdk2, so that is can’t be attached to Cyclin E. Cell cycle arrest. p21 is activated by p53 (the guardian genom) when there is DNA damage. It detects damage, and leads to expression of downstream proteins like p21.