title: Modeling the cell division cycle: cdc2 and cyclin interactions.
abstract: The proteins cdc2 and cyclin form a heterodimer (maturation promoting factor) that controls the major events of the cell cycle. A mathematical model for the interactions of cdc2 and cyclin is constructed. Simulation and analysis of the model show that the control system can operate in three modes: as a steady state with high maturation promoting factor activity, as a spontaneous oscillator, or as an excitable switch. We associate the steady state with metaphase arrest in unfertilized eggs, the spontaneous oscillations with rapid division cycles in early embryos, and the excitable switch with growth-controlled division cycles typical of nonembryonic cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Tyson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division; D016213:Cyclins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007700:Kinetics; D008433:Mathematics; D016200:Maturation-Promoting Factor / Q000502:physiology; D008938:Mitosis; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D016213:Cyclins; D016203:CDC2 Protein Kinase; D016200:Maturation-Promoting Factor