Control points at G1/S, G2/M and metaphase that halt the cycle until DNA and spindle attachments are correct.
The G1/S checkpoint checks cell size, nutrients and DNA damage; p53 can halt the cycle by inducing p21. The G2/M checkpoint checks that DNA is fully replicated and undamaged. The spindle assembly checkpoint at metaphase ensures every kinetochore is attached before anaphase.
If damage cannot be repaired, cells may enter senescence or apoptosis.
Control points at G1/S, G2/M and metaphase that halt the cycle until DNA and spindle attachments are correct.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints is one of the 52 topics in Cell Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Telomeres and Senescence, Nucleus, Cell Cycle.
Loss of p53, mutated in more than half of human cancers, lets damaged cells keep dividing.
Work through the Beginner topics in Cell Biology first, such as Cell Theory, Prokaryotic Cell, Eukaryotic Cell, then return to Cell Cycle Checkpoints. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Cell Cycle Checkpoints are Telomeres and Senescence, Nucleus, Cell Cycle, Cancer Cell Biology. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Cell Cycle Checkpoints. To practise the whole of Cell Biology, use the Cell Biology quiz.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Control points at G1/S, G2/M and metaphase that halt the cycle until DNA and spindle attachments are correct. Telomeres and Senescence: Shortening of chromosome end caps with each division eventually triggers permanent growth arrest called senescence. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Telomeres and Senescence and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Cell Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Shortening of chromosome end caps with each division eventually triggers permanent growth arrest called senescence.
🔬 Cell BiologyThe control centre of a eukaryotic cell, enclosed by a double membrane and containing the chromosomes.
🔬 Cell BiologyThe ordered sequence of growth, DNA replication and division: G1, S, G2 and the mitotic phase.
🔬 Cell BiologyMutations in oncogenes and tumour suppressors disrupt cycle control, apoptosis and adhesion, producing uncontrolled growth.
🔬 Cell Biology