Describe the role of checkpoints in the onset of cancer?

Answer 1

Cell cycle checkpoints are used by the cell to monitor and regulate the progress of the cell cycle. Checkpoints prevent cell cycle progression at specific points, allowing verification of necessary phase processes and repair of DNA damage. The cell cannot proceed to the next phase until checkpoint requirements have been met.

Several checkpoints are designed to ensure that damaged or incomplete DNA is not passed on to daughter cells. Two main checkpoints exist: the G1/S checkpoint and the G2/M checkpoint. G1/S transition is a rate-limiting step in the cell cycle and is also known as restriction point. An alternative model of the cell cycle response to DNA damage has also been proposed, known as the postreplication checkpoint.

p53 plays an important role in triggering the control mechanisms at both G1/S and G2/M checkpoints.

Impaired spindle checkpoint function has been found in many forms of cancer.

The BRCA1 tumor suppressor plays a role in the activation of human chk1, therefore the posreplication checkpoint may prevent the genetic changes that lead to cancer.

Mutations in factors contributing to cell cycle arrest at the restriction point are thought to be the main contributors of cancer.

hope this helps!

Answer 2

it kills it