CYCLIN Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclin is a type of protein that plays a crucial role in regulating the progression of the cell cycle in eukaryotic cells. It acts as a regulatory subunit of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are enzymes involved in the control of cell division and cell cycle checkpoints. Cyclins bind to the corresponding CDKs and activate their enzymatic activity.
The name "cyclin" originates from the fact that its concentration in the cell varies cyclically throughout the cell cycle. The levels of cyclin protein rise and fall at different stages of the cell cycle, ensuring that the appropriate steps are taken and that the cell proceeds to the next phase only when necessary.
Cyclins are classified into different types, each associated with a particular phase of the cell cycle. For example, cyclin D regulates the G1 phase, while cyclin A and cyclin B play roles in the S phase and G2 phase, respectively. The interaction between cyclins and CDKs directs the progression of the cell cycle by initiating key events such as DNA replication and chromosome segregation.
Dysregulation of cyclins has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Abnormal levels of cyclins can lead to uncontrolled cell division, where cells continue to divide even when they are no longer needed, resulting in the formation of tumors. Therefore, cyclins and their associated CDKs are potential targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at regulating the cell cycle and preventing aberrant cell growth.
Common Misspellings for CYCLIN
- xyclin
- vyclin
- fyclin
- dyclin
- ctclin
- cgclin
- chclin
- cuclin
- c7clin
- c6clin
- cyxlin
- cyvlin
- cyflin
- cydlin
- cyckin
- cycpin
- cycoin
- cyclun
- cycljn
- cyclkn
Etymology of CYCLIN
The word "cyclin" has its roots in the field of biology and specifically refers to a family of proteins involved in regulating the cell cycle. The term "cyclin" was coined by the American molecular biologist Tim Hunt, who discovered this class of proteins in the late 1970s. The name "cyclin" was derived from the word "cycle", reflecting its essential role in controlling the cell cycle progression.
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