#AP Biology: Cell Cycle Control - Your Last-Minute Guide 🚀

Hey! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the AP Bio exam. We'll break down cell cycle checkpoints, cancer, and apoptosis in a way that's super clear and easy to remember. Let’s get started!

#Cell Cycle Checkpoints: The Gatekeepers of Cell Division

Cell cycle checkpoints are like quality control stops during cell division. They make sure everything's perfect before the cell moves on. Think of them as the cell's safety net, preventing errors that could lead to big problems like cancer. 🚦

• Why Checkpoints? To prevent mutations and ensure accurate cell division.
• Where are they?
  • End of G1 phase
  • G2 to M transition
  • During Metaphase

#G1 Checkpoint: The Growth Check

• Also known as the cell growth checkpoint.
• What it checks:
  • Is the cell big enough?
  • Does it have enough nutrients and proteins?
• Outcome:
  • If everything's good, it moves to the S phase.
  • If not, it enters the G0 phase (resting phase) until ready.

#G2 Checkpoint: The DNA Check

• Also known as the DNA synthesis checkpoint.
• What it checks:
  • Has the DNA been replicated correctly during the S phase?
• Outcome:
  • If DNA replication is perfect, it moves to the M (mitosis) phase.
  • If not, it pauses for repairs.

#Metaphase Checkpoint: The Alignment Check

• Occurs during the M (mitosis) phase.
• What it checks:
  • Are all chromosomes correctly attached to the spindle fibers at metaphase?
• Outcome:
  • If metaphase is complete, the cell divides.
  • If not, it waits for proper alignment.

#Visualizing the Checkpoints

![Cell Cycle Checkpoints](https://zupay.blob.core.windows.net/resources/files/0baca4f69800419293b4c75aa2870acd_783589_721.jpg?alt=media&token=dff35c4e-213d-4910-a8d2-901551de5...