Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cell Cycle Regulation

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cell Cycle Regulation

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1:58 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

Discuss the factors that control the division of eukaryotic cells grown in the laboratory. Cancer cells are easier to grow in the lab than other cells. Why do you suppose this is?

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the key factors that regulate eukaryotic cell division, such as growth factors, nutrients, and cell cycle checkpoints.

Explain how these factors ensure that cells only divide when conditions are favorable, preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

Discuss the role of specific proteins and enzymes, like cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), in controlling the progression of the cell cycle.

Consider how cancer cells differ from normal cells in terms of cell cycle regulation, often due to mutations that lead to the loss of control over these regulatory mechanisms.

Explore why cancer cells, due to their ability to bypass normal regulatory checkpoints and sustain growth signals, are easier to grow in laboratory conditions compared to normal cells.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a eukaryotic cell goes through to divide and replicate. Regulation of this cycle is crucial, as it involves checkpoints that ensure the cell is ready to proceed to the next phase. Factors such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play significant roles in controlling these transitions, and disruptions in this regulation can lead to uncontrolled cell division, a hallmark of cancer.

Growth Factors

Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell division and proliferation. In laboratory settings, the presence or absence of specific growth factors can significantly influence the ability of cells to grow and divide. Cancer cells often have altered signaling pathways that allow them to bypass the need for these external signals, making them more adaptable and easier to culture compared to normal cells.

Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence is a state where cells lose the ability to divide and grow, often as a response to stress or damage. Normal somatic cells have a limited number of divisions before entering senescence, influenced by telomere shortening and other factors. In contrast, cancer cells can evade senescence, allowing them to proliferate indefinitely, which contributes to their ease of growth in laboratory conditions.