Cell cycle and differentiation

The development of multicellular organisms relies on the temporal and spatial control of cell proliferation and cell growth. The relationship between cell-cycle progression and development is complex and characterized by mutual dependencies. On the level of the individual cell, this interrelationship has implications for pattern formation and cell morphogenesis. On a supercellular level, this interrelationship affects meristem function and organ growth. Often, developmental signals not only direct cell-cycle progression but also set the frame for cell-cycle regulation by determining cell-type-specific cell-cycle modes. In other cases, however, cell-cycle progression appears to be required for the further differentiation of some cell types. There are also examples in which cell cycle and differentiation seem to be controlled at the same level and progress rather independently from each other or are linked by the same regulator or pathway. Furthermore, different relationships between cell cycle and differentiation can be combined in a succession of events during development, leading to complex developmental programs.