The Cell Cycle And Development

The cell cycle is the sequence of events between mitotic divisions. The cycle is conventionally divided into G0, G1 (G stands for gap), S (synthesis phase during which DNA is replicated), G2 and M (mitosis). The sequence, as it appears in this text, is reviewed in relation to the development of living organisms from embryonic states to maturity. This exciting book is based on a symposium that brought together leading scientists working at the interface between the cell cycle, cell growth and development in a variety of model systems. This research interface is just starting to emerge, and this symposium is the first to discuss these issues in depth - discussions that are included here along with the written papers. The book begins with a thorough investigation into the relationship between the cell cycle and cell growth, and then continues with a discussion of cell size control, asymmetric cell division, the specification of cell fate decisions and cell death. The focus throughout is on understanding how such diverse developmental inputs can modulate cell cycle regulation and, reciprocally, how a common way of regulating cell cycle progression can participate in different developmental strategies. This provides an opportunity to identify the evolutionary conserved threads that have been utilized to coordinate cell cycle and developmental decisions. This book brings together scientists working at the interface between the cell cycle, cell growth and development in a variety of model systems and research paradigms. The focus is on understanding how such diverse developmental inputs can modulate cell cycle regulation and, reciprocally, how a common way of regulating cell cycle progression can participate in different developmental strategies.