Homework and readings for Nov 20, 2008

Ted is back again. We are now moving on to the cell cycle as a model of concepts of cell regulation. One of Teds many favorite subjects. The topic...once again, how switches and the like are generated. The cell cycle is a lot about how to turn things on and off abruptly and on cue.

Everyone should read the TIBs review. You should all take a stab at explaining Fig 3 OR Fig. 4. Chose one that you come to class prepared to explain. Take your pick...

Tyson, et al. (199). Chemical kinetic theory: understanding cell-cycle regulation.

Everyone should chose ONE of the following two papers. (Both papers make the same point).

Sha et al.(2002). Hysteresis drives cell-cycle tansitions in Xenopus laevis egg extracts.

Pomerening et al. (2003). Building a cell cycle oscillator: hysteresis and bistability in the activation of Cdc2.

Homework:

1. What is the big picture these articles are getting at?

2. Do you think hysteresis is useful in biology? Why or why not?

<-Go back to the syllabus