Question

Before progressing to the next phase of the cell cycle, it is essential to verify whether the processes at each phase have been accurately completed.

Option 1: True
Option 2: False

Answer 1

True, the cell cycle includes checkpoints to ensure each phase is successfully completed before moving onto the next, and errors in this regulation can lead to cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option 1: True. It is essential to verify whether the processes at each phase of the cell cycle have been accurately completed before progressing to the next phase.

The eukaryotic cell cycle is a highly regulated process divided into different phases including interphase (G1, S, and G2) and mitotic phase (mitosis and cytokinesis). At each checkpoint during the cycle, various molecules act as sensors to assess if the cell is ready to proceed to the next stage. The checkpoints are critical for ensuring that cells do not progress with damaged or incomplete DNA, which could lead to malfunctioning cells and potentially cancer.

For example, the G1 checkpoint monitors cell size, nutrient status, and DNA integrity, deciding whether the cell will proceed to DNA replication in the S phase. Likewise, the G2 checkpoint ensures that all the chromosomes have been correctly replicated and no DNA damage is present before entering mitosis. On the other hand, a malfunction at these checkpoints, such as damage to genes encoding cell-cycle regulatory proteins, can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the development of cancer.