What triggers cell replication?

The initiation of DNA replication occurs in two steps. First, a so-called initiator protein unwinds a short stretch of the DNA double helix. Then, a protein known as helicase attaches to and breaks apart the hydrogen bonds between the bases on the DNA strands, thereby pulling apart the two strands.

During which phase of the cell cycle are the chromosomes duplicated?

S phase
S phase (DNA Synthesis) – Each of the 46 chromosomes are duplicated by the cell.

What happens if a cell cycle checkpoint is triggered?

DNA replication. If the checkpoint mechanisms detect problems with the DNA, the cell cycle is halted, and the cell attempts to either complete DNA replication or repair the damaged DNA. If the damage is irreparable, the cell may undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death 2.

What enzymes trigger events in the cell cycle?

Cyclins drive the events of the cell cycle by partnering with a family of enzymes called the cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks). A lone Cdk is inactive, but the binding of a cyclin activates it, making it a functional enzyme and allowing it to modify target proteins.

What is the remarkable event in G2 phase?

During the G2 phase, extra protein is often synthesized, and the organelles multiply until there are enough for two cells. Other cell materials such as lipids for the membrane may also be produced. With all this activity, the cell often grows substantially during G2.

Which event first takes place during DNA replication?

The first step in DNA replication is to ‘unzip’ the double helix structure of the DNA? molecule. This is carried out by an enzyme? called helicase which breaks the hydrogen bonds? holding the complementary? bases? of DNA together (A with T, C with G).

What occurs during chromosome duplication?

The process of creating two new cells begins once a cell has duplicated its chromosomes. In this state each chromosome consists of a joined pair of identical replicas called chromatids. The chromosomes condense and line up across the center of the nucleus. The membrane surrounding the nucleus fragments and disappears.

Why does the cell duplicate its chromosomes before dividing?

When one cell divides into two, both must have a copy of the genetic information. Therefore, before cell division occurs, the genes must also make duplicates of themselves so that all of the important genetic information ends up in each of the new cells.

When do checkpoints occur in the cell cycle?

A checkpoint is one of several points in the eukaryotic cell cycle at which the progression of a cell to the next stage in the cycle can be halted until conditions are favorable. These checkpoints occur near the end of G1, at the G2/M transition, and during metaphase (Figure 1).

What would happen if there were no checkpoints in the cell cycle?

If a checkpoint fails or if a cell suffers physical damage to chromosomes during cell division, or if it suffers a debilitating somatic mutation in a prior S phase, it may selfdestruct in response to a consequent biochemical anomaly.

What stimulates cells to divide?

Growth factors
Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell division. – Most mammal cells form a single layer in a culture dish and stop dividing once they touch other cells. Two of the most important internal factors are kinases and cyclins.

What do growth factors stimulate?

growth factor, any of a group of proteins that stimulate the growth of specific tissues. Growth factors play an important role in promoting cellular differentiation and cell division, and they occur in a wide range of organisms, including insects, amphibians, humans, and plants.