Cell cycle regulation

Front

What are oncogenes?

Back

Genes that can cause normal cells to become cancerous when mutated or expressed at high levels.

Front

What organisms were used in the research on cyclins?

Back

Sea urchins and clams.

Front

What does MPF stand for in cell cycle regulation?

Back

Maturation Promoting Factor, a complex that regulates the cell cycle.

Front

What is a cyclin dependent kinase (CDK)?

Back

A protein kinase that is only active when bound to a cyclin.

Front

What role do cyclins play in the cell cycle?

Back

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the timing of the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases.

Front

What is the function of cyclin in cell cycle regulation?

Back

Cyclins activate CDKs, which then phosphorylate target proteins to drive the cell cycle forward.

Front

What is the significance of the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Back

It assesses whether the cell is ready to enter the S phase and replicate its DNA.

Front

What happens if a cell fails the G1 checkpoint?

Back

The cell may enter a resting state (G0) or undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Front

What is the role of tumor suppressor genes?

Back

They help prevent uncontrolled cell growth and division, acting as a brake on the cell cycle.

Front

What is apoptosis?

Back

A process of programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.