What is the main purpose of the cell cycle checkpoints?

The main purpose of cell cycle checkpoints is to ensure proper progression through the phases of the cell cycle and to repair any DNA damage that may occur. During the cell cycle, checkpoints act as critical control points before a cell is allowed to proceed to the next phase. For instance, there are specific checkpoints that assess DNA integrity, ensure that all necessary cellular components are present, and confirm that the cell is ready to divide. If any issues are detected, such as DNA damage, the checkpoints can halt the cycle, allowing for repair mechanisms to act and correct any problems before the cell continues to divide. This regulation is vital for maintaining genomic stability and preventing the propagation of errors that could lead to diseases such as cancer.