Opinion
The nature of cell-cycle checkpoints: facts and fallacies
Author affiliations
Wadsworth Center, PO Box 509, Albany, NY 12201-0509, USA
Citation and License
Journal of Biology 2009, 8:88 doi:10.1186/jbiol195
Published: 16 November 2009Abstract
The concept of checkpoint controls revolutionized our understanding of the cell cycle. Here we revisit the defining features of checkpoints and argue that failure to properly appreciate the concept is leading to misinterpretation of experimental results. We illustrate, using the mitotic checkpoint, problems that can arise from a failure to respect strict definitions and precise terminology.
