Chapter 8 - Cell cycle and circadian rhythms

Abstract

This chapter describes the cell division cycle and circadian rhythms of Chlamydomonas. Chlamydomonas uses a multiple fission cell cycle that involves a long period of growth (G1 phase) followed by a rapid succession of alternating S phase and mitotic cycles (S/M) producing 2n daughters. Cytological studies defining the progression of events during multiple fission and the roles of the cytoskeleton are described. Genome-enabled studies of cell cycle mutants and cell cycle–regulated processes, and the molecular machinery that governs the cell cycle are discussed along with models for multiple fission. Last, circadian rhythms are described in addtion to new advances in understanding circadian control in Chlamydomonas derived from mutants and transgenic tools.