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🔬 Biology  ·  Cell Cycle and Cell Division  ·  NEET

The retinoblastoma protein (Rb) controls the cell cycle by:

  • A Cleaving caspase substrates directly to dismantle the nuclear envelope and trigger apoptosis
  • B Binding E2F transcription factors, blocking S phase entry until phosphorylated by Cyclin D/Cdk4
  • C Anchoring kinetochores to spindle microtubules to satisfy the metaphase checkpoint
  • D Recruiting nucleotide excision repair enzymes to sites of UV-induced DNA damage

Correct answer: B. Binding E2F transcription factors, blocking S phase entry until phosphorylated by Cyclin D/Cdk4

Explanation: Rb protein sequesters E2F transcription factors. Cyclin D/Cdk4 (and Cdk6) phosphorylate Rb, releasing E2F to activate S-phase genes. This is the critical G1 to S transition.

Concept context

Mitosis and meiosis: how cells divide for growth, repair, and reproduction.

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