BRAINCAKEControl of the Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is tightly controlled so that a cell only divides when it should, and only when it is ready. Control happens at checkpoints, points in the cycle where the cell checks conditions before moving to the next stage.
• G1 checkpoint (at the end of G1): checks that the cell is large enough, that there are enough nutrients, that growth factors are present and that the DNA is not damaged. If conditions are not met, the cell may enter G0.
• G2 checkpoint (at the end of G2): checks that all the DNA has been replicated correctly and without damage before mitosis begins.
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Key terms in this lesson
- mutation
- A change in the genetic material of a cell, either in the base sequence of DNA or in chromosome structure or number.
- metaphase
- The second stage of mitosis, in which chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell, attached to spindle fibres from opposite poles.
More in The Cell Cycle
All 18 lessons in The Cell Cycle · All Edexcel AS-level Biology topics