Cells will usually divide if they receive the proper signal at the G1 checkpoint of the cell cycle.
- The G1 checkpoint, also known as the restriction point, is the primary decision point where a cell assesses whether conditions are favorable for division (size, nutrients, growth signals, and DNA integrity). If the cell passes this checkpoint, it commits to completing the cycle and dividing; if not, it may arrest, repair, or enter a non-dividing state. This makes the G1 checkpoint the phase where the “proper signal” most commonly determines whether division proceeds. [G1 checkpoint details and its role as the main decision point]
