Final answer:
Cdks are activated by binding with cyclin proteins, phosphorylation by another kinase, and the regulated degradation of cyclin proteins after a cell stage transition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) are essential in regulating the cell cycle, and they are activated by three main mechanisms:
- Binding to a specific cyclin protein, which varies throughout the cell cycle.
- Being phosphorylated by another kinase, which fully activates the Cdk/cyclin complex.
- The degradation of cyclins, after the cell transitions to the next stage of the cell cycle, leading to the disassembly of the Cdk/cyclin complex and allowing for the cycle to be regulated.
These processes ensure that Cdks are activated only at the appropriate times to advance the cell cycle through its various checkpoints11