Final answer:
The cell cycle can be arrested at specific points called checkpoints. Especially when DNA is damaged, to allow for repair or initiate apoptosis if repair is not possible. Checkpoints are critical for genetic integrity and disease prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
If necessary, such as when DNA is damaged, the cell cycle can be arrested at specific points called checkpoints. Checkpoints are essential internal control mechanisms within the eukaryotic cell cycle. They ensure that a daughter cell is an exact replica of the parent cell and prevent the transfer of mutations due to errors in DNA replication or chromosome distribution. The primary checkpoints are located near the end of G1, at the G2/M transition, and during metaphase.
When damage is detected, proteins like p53 play a crucial role in either pausing the cell cycle to allow for DNA repair or initiating apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. This regulatory system is critical to maintaining the integrity of genetic information passed from one cell generation to the next and preventing the proliferation of cells with potential mutations that could lead to disease.