Final answer:
The cell cycle clock is the central governor of the cell cycle, regulating the timing and progression of each phase. It ensures that the cell proceeds through the different stages in a coordinated and regulated manner.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cell cycle clock is the central governor of the cell cycle. It controls the timing and progression of each phase of the cell cycle, ensuring that the cell proceeds through the different stages in a coordinated and regulated manner.
The cell cycle consists of several phases, including G1 (the first gap phase), S (DNA synthesis), G2 (the second gap phase), and M (mitosis). The cell cycle clock ensures that the cell spends the appropriate amount of time in each phase and transitions to the next phase only when certain conditions are met. It is regulated by internal checkpoints, which are monitored by positive regulator molecules and negative regulator molecules. These regulators ensure that the cell cycle progresses smoothly and that the cell only divides when it is ready.