Cell growth is tightly regulated by various mechanisms to ensure proper function and prevent abnormalities such as cancer. These regulatory mechanisms include: - Cell Cycle Checkpoints: These are control mechanisms that ensure each phase of the cell cycle is completed accurately before moving to the next phase. - Tumor Suppressor Genes: These genes inhibit cell growth and division, preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. - Proto-oncogenes: These genes promote cell growth and division. When mutated, they become oncogenes, leading to cancer.
