Checking cell size in yeast

Trends Genet. 2002 Sep;18(9):479-85. doi: 10.1016/s0168-9525(02)02745-2.

Abstract

To remain viable, cells have to coordinate cell growth with cell division. In yeast, this occurs at two control points: the boundaries between G1 and S phases, also known as Start, and between G2 and M phases. Theoretically, coordination can be achieved by independent regulation of growth and division, or by participation of surveillance mechanisms in which cell size feeds back into cell-cycle control. This article discusses recent advances in the identification of sizing mechanisms in budding and in fission yeast, and how these mechanisms integrate with environmental stimuli. A comparison of the G1-S and G2-M size-control modules in the two species reveals a degree of conservation higher than previously thought. This reinforces the notion that internal sizing could be a conserved feature of cell-cycle control throughout eukaryotes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Size / physiology*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / growth & development*
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Cell Cycle Proteins