Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

11. Cell Division

Cell Cycle Regulation

General Biology

11. Cell Division

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

Understand the cell cycle: Eukaryotic cell division is controlled by the cell cycle, which consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (M). The cell cycle is regulated by checkpoints that ensure proper growth, DNA replication, and division.

Identify key regulators: Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are proteins that regulate the progression of the cell cycle. These molecules ensure that cells only divide when conditions are favorable, such as sufficient nutrients and proper DNA integrity.

Consider external factors: In laboratory conditions, eukaryotic cells require specific growth factors, nutrients, and environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, pH) to divide. These factors mimic the signals cells receive in their natural environment to promote division.

Understand cancer cell behavior: Cancer cells often bypass normal regulatory mechanisms, such as cell cycle checkpoints, due to mutations in genes like p53 or RB. This allows them to divide uncontrollably, even under suboptimal conditions, making them easier to grow in the lab compared to normal cells.

Relate to laboratory conditions: Cancer cells are less dependent on external growth factors and are more resistant to stress, which makes them more adaptable to laboratory environments. Their ability to proliferate without strict regulation is a key reason they are easier to culture.

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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 eukaryotic cells go through to divide and replicate. Regulation of this cycle is crucial, involving checkpoints that ensure proper progression and prevent uncontrolled division. Factors such as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play significant roles in this regulation, and disruptions can lead to cancerous growth.

Growth Factors

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

Cellular Senescence

Cellular senescence is a state where cells cease to divide and enter a permanent growth arrest, often as a response to stress or damage. Normal somatic cells have a limited number of divisions due to telomere shortening, while cancer cells can evade senescence through mechanisms like telomerase activation, allowing them to proliferate indefinitely in laboratory conditions.