CDC20 (Cell Division Cycle 20)

CDC20 (Cell Division Cycle 20) is a protein that plays a key role in cell division, specifically during a stage called mitosis, where a cell's chromosomes are evenly distributed to two new cells. It acts as an activator for a complex called the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C), which helps trigger the separation of sister chromatids—the identical halves of duplicated chromosomes. Proper regulation of CDC20 ensures accurate cell division, preventing errors that could lead to diseases like cancer. Essentially, CDC20 is crucial for orderly and correct cell reproduction.