Cell cycle progression

Cell cycle progression is a fundamental process that occurs in all living organisms. It involves the division of a single cell into two daughter cells, each containing the same genetic material as the parent cell. This process is crucial for growth, development, and repair in multicellular organisms.

Overview

The cell cycle is divided into four main phases: G1, S, G2, and M. During the G1 phase, the cell grows in size and prepares for DNA replication. The S phase is when DNA replication occurs, resulting in two identical copies of each chromosome. The G2 phase is another period of growth and preparation for cell division. Finally, during the M phase, the cell divides into two daughter cells in a process known as mitosis.

Regulation

The progression of the cell cycle is tightly regulated by a complex network of proteins and enzymes. Key regulators include cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), and tumor suppressor genes. These molecules ensure that each phase of the cell cycle is completed accurately and that the cell does not progress to the next phase until it is ready.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in cell cycle progression can lead to a variety of diseases, most notably cancer. In cancer cells, the normal controls on cell cycle progression are often lost, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor growth.

Research

Research into cell cycle progression has the potential to lead to new treatments for a variety of diseases. For example, drugs that target specific components of the cell cycle regulatory machinery could potentially be used to halt the growth of cancer cells.

See Also

• Cell division
• Mitosis
• Meiosis
• Cancer