Cells talk to each other to keep the cell cycle in check. This helps them grow and divide in a safe and organized way. Here are some of the main ways they communicate:
Chemical Signals:
Cells release special substances, like hormones and growth factors. These substances attach to specific spots on nearby or faraway cells. For example, a substance called platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) helps cells divide when there’s a wound that needs healing.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints:
There are three important checkpoints in the cell cycle:
Cyclins and CDKs:
These are special proteins that help control the main changes in the cell cycle. For example, the cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex is important for moving from the G1 phase to the S phase, where DNA is copied.
Statistics:
About half of all human cancers are connected to problems with the cell cycle. This shows just how important it is for cells to communicate correctly.
By using these methods, cells work together to grow, divide, and do their jobs properly within tissues.
Cells talk to each other to keep the cell cycle in check. This helps them grow and divide in a safe and organized way. Here are some of the main ways they communicate:
Chemical Signals:
Cells release special substances, like hormones and growth factors. These substances attach to specific spots on nearby or faraway cells. For example, a substance called platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) helps cells divide when there’s a wound that needs healing.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints:
There are three important checkpoints in the cell cycle:
Cyclins and CDKs:
These are special proteins that help control the main changes in the cell cycle. For example, the cyclin D-CDK4/6 complex is important for moving from the G1 phase to the S phase, where DNA is copied.
Statistics:
About half of all human cancers are connected to problems with the cell cycle. This shows just how important it is for cells to communicate correctly.
By using these methods, cells work together to grow, divide, and do their jobs properly within tissues.