Cell Cycle - Medical Science

Q1:

Cdks bind with __________ , enabling the Cdks to function as enzymes.

A MPF

B cyclins

C histones

D p53

ANS:B - cyclins

CDKs require the presence of cyclins to become active. Cyclins are a family of proteins that have no enzymatic activity of their own but activate CDKs by binding to them. CDKs must also be in a particular phosphorylation state with some sites phosphorylated and others dephosphorylated in order for activation to occur. Correct phosphorylation depends on the action of other kinases and a second class of enzymes called phosphatases that are responsible for removing phosphate groups from proteins.