NEET · BiologyHard

During the cell cycle, the transition from G1 to S phase is tightly regulated by the E2F transcription factor. What is the mechanism by which the Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) inhibits this transition?

  1. A.It promotes the degradation of Cyclin D
  2. B.It binds to E2F and prevents it from activating transcription of S-phase genes
  3. C.It phosphorylates the CDK4/6 complex to inhibit its activity
  4. D.It directly binds to the origin of replication to block DNA polymerase
Show correct answer & step-by-step solution

Correct answer: BIt binds to E2F and prevents it from activating transcription of S-phase genes

Solution

  1. In G1 phase, pRb is in a hypophosphorylated state.
  2. Hypophosphorylated pRb binds to E2F transcription factors.
  3. This binding prevents E2F from activating the transcription of genes necessary for DNA replication.
  4. Phosphorylation of pRb by Cyclin-CDK complexes releases E2F, allowing S-phase progression.
  5. Hence the answer is (B).

Attempt this question & track your score

Sign up free to answer, get instant scoring, and let SolveGini track which Biology topics you need to revise.

Attempt & Track Free →

More Cell Biology practice questions

View all Cell Biology questions →