Mitotic cyclins constitute a regulatory subunit of the histone H1 kinase complex. On the basis of primary structure differences, they are divided into two classes, A and B. Both classes are necessary for mitosis to occur. Cyclins A and B differ in the timing of their cellular expression and in their affinity with the various members of the cdk (cyclin-dependent kinases) family. They also have specific functions: cyclin A plays a role in DNA replication, whereas cyclin B are involved in the inhibition of the fusion of early endosomes and in the activation of cdc25 phosphatase. Cyclins A and B can contribute to the development of neoplastic disorders, either directly (inappropriate expression of the cyclin A gene caused by the hepatitis B virus in hepatocellular carcinoma, interactions between cyclin A and factors involved in the regulation of cell division), or indirectly by causing phosphorylation of oncogene products by a cdk.