Final answer:
The cell cycle is regulated by molecules known as regulator molecules, which can either promote or halt the progression of the cell cycle. These molecules ensure that cell division is coordinated and controlled. Without proper regulation, the cell cycle can have negative effects on an organism's health, such as cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell cycle is a highly regulated process that controls cell division and is crucial for maintaining the health of an organism. Regulator molecules play a key role in ensuring that cell division is coordinated, controlled, and responsive to the needs of the organism and its environment. These molecules can either promote the progress of the cell cycle by signaling the cell to move to the next phase (positive regulation) or halt the cycle (negative regulation).
For example, cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are positive regulator molecules that allow the cell cycle to advance to the next stage. On the other hand, tumor suppressor proteins are negative regulator molecules that monitor cellular conditions and can stop the cell cycle until specific requirements are met.
Failure or deficiency in the function of these regulator molecules can have detrimental effects on an organism's health, including the development of cancer and other disorders. Therefore, proper regulation of the cell cycle is essential to ensure the well-being of an organism.