AP Biology · Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle
4.6 Regulation of Cell Cycle
In short
You must understand that the cell cycle is regulated by internal controls and checkpoints, specifically through the interactions between cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CdKs). You should know that disruptions to these regulatory mechanisms can lead to cancer or programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Last updated
What else do you need to know about Regulation of Cell Cycle?
Crucially, knowledge of specific cyclin-CdK pairs or specific growth factors is explicitly excluded and beyond the scope of the AP Exam.
How is Regulation of Cell Cycle tested on the exam?
You may be expected to predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components of the cell cycle (Suggested Skill 6.E). A common error on the exam is the failure to explain the purpose and timing of the cell cycle checkpoints. You should be prepared to predict the effect on a cell if there is a disruption in the cell cycle.
Free practice questions with full explanations, and instant marking of your free-response answers.
Regulation of Cell Cycle: common questions
What do you need to know about Regulation of Cell Cycle for AP Biology?
You must understand that the cell cycle is regulated by internal controls and checkpoints, specifically through the interactions between cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CdKs). You should know that disruptions to these regulatory mechanisms can lead to cancer or programmed cell death (apoptosis).
How is Regulation of Cell Cycle tested on the AP Biology exam?
You may be expected to predict the causes or effects of a change in, or disruption to, one or more components of the cell cycle (Suggested Skill 6.E). A common error on the exam is the failure to explain the purpose and timing of the cell cycle checkpoints.
Where does Regulation of Cell Cycle fit in AP Biology?
Regulation of Cell Cycle is topic 4.6 in Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle of AP Biology.
Want help mastering this topic?
Work through Regulation of Cell Cycle one-on-one with an AP Guru tutor.
Book a free demo class