Proteins involved in checkpoint control

Proteins involved in checkpoint control are like quality inspectors within cells, ensuring each phase of cell division happens correctly. They monitor and verify that DNA is intact and properly copied before the cell divides, preventing errors. If issues are detected, these proteins can pause the process, allowing repair or stopping faulty cells from dividing, thus maintaining healthy cell function. Key proteins include p53, which acts as a safeguard against damaged DNA, and cyclins and CDKs, which control the progression through different stages. Together, these proteins coordinate to maintain genomic stability and prevent diseases like cancer.