AP Biology
Cell Cycle and Cell Signaling
Study Guide
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Using a graph of quantity of DNA contained within a nucleus, be able to determine
which stage of cell division a cell is in.
Know what checkpoints are for the cell cycle, the molecules involved and when each
occurs.
Know how cancerous cells differ from normal cells, regarding the cell cycle and cell
division.
Be able to describe the differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes during cell
division.
Know what a carcinogen is, and how it could trigger cancerous cells to form. Read the
section in your outline notes and/or book on RAS and p53.
Be able to explain how hormones and signaling molecules are received by a cell.
Know the function of kinases and cyclins
If a protein kinase blocks phosphorylation for all cells, what would be a possible side
effect?
Be able to describe the components of a signal transduction pathway. Know what the
purpose of a secondary messenger would be.
Know how neurotransmitters work in cell signaling, such as acetylcholine. How might
an antibody affect the neurotransmitter.
Be able to explain how cyclin and cyclin dependent kinase work together for regulation
of the cell cycle.
Be able to explain the steps of the signal transduction pathway.
Be able to completely describe the process of cell division, for both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic, and plant and animal.