Chapter 5, Problem 11TQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

What are the important consequences if the cell bypasses the G₁ and G₂ checkpoints in the cell cycle? Why compounds like nonylphenol can induce multiplication of abnormal cells.

Introduction:

The cell cycle is an important mechanism used to increase the cell number while maintaining the genetic stability of cells. Cell cycle checkpoints are regulatory points in the process of the cell cycle. Cell cycle checkpoints decide whether to continue or stop the cell cycle. Three major check points regulate the cell cycle. The first check point at the G₁/S phase decides whether cell to enter preparatory S phase or not. The second check point at the G₂/M checkpoint determines whether the cell can proceed to mitosis or not. The third check point is present between the metaphase and anaphase of the cell cycle. Cell cycle mechanism should be tightly regulated by cell cycle checkpoint to circumvent dire consequences.