Cell cycle

Definition

The cell cycle is a series of stages that a cell goes through to divide and produce two identical daughter cells. It includes phases such as interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cell cycle is crucial for tissue growth and repair.
2. Cancer can result from disruptions in the regulation of the cell cycle.
3. Checkpoints within the cell cycle help prevent uncontrolled cell division.
4. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play key roles in regulating the progression of the cell cycle.
5. Mutations in genes like TP53 can lead to cancer by allowing cells to bypass normal cell cycle controls.

Review Questions

• What role do checkpoints play in the cell cycle?
• How do mutations in TP53 contribute to cancer development?
• Why are cyclins and CDKs important for the regulation of the cell cycle?

Related terms

Cyclin: Proteins that regulate different phases of the cell cycle when bound to CDKs.

Apoptosis:

Programmed cell death, which helps eliminate damaged or unnecessary cells.

Oncogene: A gene that has the potential to cause cancer when mutated or expressed at high levels.