Checkpoint pathways

Checkpoint pathways are mechanisms in place to halt the initiation of the next cycle in an eukaryotic organism until the previous cycle is completed and to correct any mistakes made during the process. In order to operate the checkpoint pathways, they contain sensors, a signalling cascade and an effector. The sensors are there to monitor a specific cellular event whereas the signalling cascade starts the response. On the other hand, the effector will stop the cell cycle and initiate repair pathways, only when needed.