Abstract
AbstractFirst paragraph (this article has no abstract) For well over 100 years, cell biologists have been wondering what determines the size of cells. In modern times, we know all of the molecules that control the cell cycle and cell division, but we still do not understand how cell size is determined. To check whether modern cell biology has made any inroads on this age-old question, BMC Biology asked several heavyweights in the field to tell us how they think cell size is controlled, drawing on a range of different cell types. The essays in this collection address two related questions - why does cell size matter, and how do cells control it.
Highlights
Wallace F Marshall For well over 100 years, cell biologists have been wondering what determines the size of cells
A second reason is that the basic machinery of cell division in eukaryotes relies on microtubules, both to form the mitotic spindle and position it properly relative to the cortex
Very small cells could not form a proper spindle, and very large cells could not coordinate their divisions during cleavage. This idea is elaborated in essays by Frankel and by Kimura, who discuss the apparent upper and lower limits on cell size with respect to cell division machinery
Summary
Universal control mechanism regulating onset of M-phase. Nature 1990, 344:503-508. Russell P, Nurse P: cdc25+ functions as an inducer in the mitotic control of fission yeast. Russell P, Nurse P: Negative regulation of mitosis by wee1+, a gene encoding a protein kinase homolog. Gould L, Nurse P: Tyrosine phosphorylation of the fission yeast cdc2+ protein kinase regulates entry into mitosis. Moseley JB, Mayeux A, Paoletti A, Nurse P: A spatial gradient coordinates cell size and mitotic entry in fission yeast. Martin SG, Berthelot-Grosjean M: Polar gradients of the DYRK-family kinase Pom couple cell length with the cell cycle. Hachet O, Berthelot-Grosjean M, Kokkoris K, Vincenzetti V, Moosbrugger J, Martin SG: A phosphorylation cycle shapes gradients of the DYRK family kinase Pom at the plasma membrane. Coudreuse D, Nurse P: Driving the cell cycle with a minimal CDK control network.
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