List the functions of kinases and cyclins, and describe how they interact to cause cells to move through the cell cycle.

Key Concepts

Kinases

Kinases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules, like ATP, to specific substrates, typically proteins. This phosphorylation can activate or deactivate the target proteins, thereby regulating various cellular processes, including the cell cycle. In the context of the cell cycle, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are crucial for driving the progression through different phases.

Cyclins

Cyclins are a family of proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). Their levels fluctuate throughout the cell cycle, ensuring that CDKs are activated at the appropriate times. Each cyclin is associated with specific phases of the cell cycle, and their binding to CDKs is essential for the transition between phases, such as from G1 to S phase or G2 to M phase.

Cell Cycle Regulation

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to divide and replicate. Regulation of the cell cycle is critical for proper cell division and involves a complex interplay between kinases, cyclins, and various checkpoints. These regulatory mechanisms ensure that cells only proceed to the next phase when conditions are favorable, preventing errors that could lead to uncontrolled cell growth or cancer.