Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are very important for controlling the cell cycle. They make sure that cells divide the right way and at the right time.
You can think of cyclins as the "key" and CDKs as the "lock." When a cyclin connects with a CDK, it turns on the CDK. This helps the CDK add something called phosphate to certain proteins. These proteins are needed for the cell to move to the next stage of the cell cycle.
G1 Phase: Here, Cyclin D connects with CDK4/6 to help the cell get ready for DNA copying (this is called the S phase).
S Phase: In this phase, Cyclin E works with CDK2 so that the DNA can be copied.
G2 Phase: Cyclin A joins with CDK1 to prepare the cell for splitting (this part is called mitosis).
M Phase: Lastly, Cyclin B activates CDK1. This helps the chromosomes get ready to separate and form a structure called the mitotic spindle.
If cyclins and CDKs do not work together correctly, cells can stop moving forward. This could lead to problems like cancer because the cells might keep growing without control.
So, you can think of cyclins and CDKs like traffic lights for cells. They tell the cells when to go, when to slow down, and when to stop during their division process. This careful control is very important for keeping our tissues and organs healthy!
Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are very important for controlling the cell cycle. They make sure that cells divide the right way and at the right time.
You can think of cyclins as the "key" and CDKs as the "lock." When a cyclin connects with a CDK, it turns on the CDK. This helps the CDK add something called phosphate to certain proteins. These proteins are needed for the cell to move to the next stage of the cell cycle.
G1 Phase: Here, Cyclin D connects with CDK4/6 to help the cell get ready for DNA copying (this is called the S phase).
S Phase: In this phase, Cyclin E works with CDK2 so that the DNA can be copied.
G2 Phase: Cyclin A joins with CDK1 to prepare the cell for splitting (this part is called mitosis).
M Phase: Lastly, Cyclin B activates CDK1. This helps the chromosomes get ready to separate and form a structure called the mitotic spindle.
If cyclins and CDKs do not work together correctly, cells can stop moving forward. This could lead to problems like cancer because the cells might keep growing without control.
So, you can think of cyclins and CDKs like traffic lights for cells. They tell the cells when to go, when to slow down, and when to stop during their division process. This careful control is very important for keeping our tissues and organs healthy!