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Multiple Choice
Which of the following triggers the cell's passage past the G2 checkpoint into mitosis?
A
Inactivation of p53 protein
B
Activation of the cyclin B-CDK1 complex (also known as MPF)
C
Degradation of cyclin D
D
Phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the G2 checkpoint: The G2 checkpoint ensures that the cell has properly replicated its DNA and is ready to enter mitosis. It prevents cells with damaged or incomplete DNA from proceeding to mitosis.
Learn about the cyclin B-CDK1 complex (also known as Maturation Promoting Factor, MPF): This complex is crucial for the cell's transition from G2 to mitosis. Cyclin B binds to CDK1, activating it, which then phosphorylates various proteins to initiate mitosis.
Analyze the options provided: The activation of the cyclin B-CDK1 complex is directly responsible for triggering the cell's passage past the G2 checkpoint into mitosis. The other options (inactivation of p53 protein, degradation of cyclin D, and phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein) are not directly involved in this specific checkpoint.
Understand why the activation of cyclin B-CDK1 is the correct answer: Cyclin B levels increase during the G2 phase, and its binding to CDK1 forms the active MPF complex. This activation leads to the phosphorylation of target proteins that drive the cell into mitosis.
Conclude the reasoning: The activation of the cyclin B-CDK1 complex is the key event that triggers the cell's passage past the G2 checkpoint into mitosis, ensuring the cell is prepared for division.