Question

What are checkpoints in the cell cycle?

Answer 1

Cell cycle:

1. It is a set of events that occur in a cell when it divides and grows.
2. It is divided into two phases - the Interphase and the M phase.

Cell cycle checkpoints:

1. Cell cycle checkpoints are control mechanisms that ensure the normal course of the eukaryotic cell cycle.
2. In the cell cycle, there are three major checkpoints - the G₁ checkpoint, the G₂ checkpoint, and the spindle checkpoint.
3. At the G₁/S transition, the G₁ checkpoint occurs.
4. At the G₁ checkpoint, it's determined whether the cell is large enough to divide, has enough nourishment for cell division, and is free of DNA damage.
5. At the G₂/M transition, the G₂ checkpoint occurs.
6. It is assessed whether the DNA has been completely duplicated at the G₂ checkpoint.
7. At the transition from metaphase to anaphase, the spindle checkpoint occurs.
8. The spindle checkpoint ensures that chromosomes are properly attached to and aligned on the spindle.