What does CDK stand for in cell biology?

CDK stands for Cyclin-dependent kinase, which is a critical enzyme in cell biology responsible for regulating the cell cycle. These kinases are only active when bound to a cyclin, which are proteins that control the progression of cells through the cell cycle by activating the CDKs. The activation of CDKs is essential for various phases of the cell cycle, including the transition from G1 to S phase, and from G2 to M phase. This regulation ensures that the cell cycle progresses in a controlled manner, allowing for proper cell growth and division. Disruption of CDK activity can lead to uncontrolled cell division, which is a hallmark of cancer. Understanding the role of cyclin-dependent kinases is fundamental in both cell biology and cancer research.