How Did Hartwell's Research Impact the Understanding of the Cell Cycle?
Hartwell's research led to the discovery of specific checkpoints within the cell cycle that ensure cells only divide when they are ready and conditions are favorable. These checkpoints are vital for maintaining genomic stability. His studies on the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae identified numerous genes involved in these checkpoints, providing a foundation for understanding how similar mechanisms might go awry in cancer cells.
