What cellular process do mitogens specifically overcome to promote cell proliferation?

Mitogens are signaling molecules that stimulate cell division and proliferation by activating specific signaling pathways. One of the critical ways in which mitogens promote cell proliferation is by overcoming cell cycle checkpoints.

Cell cycle checkpoints are mechanisms that ensure the proper progression of the cell cycle and prevent cells from dividing when conditions are not favorable or when there is DNA damage. Checkpoints act as quality control systems, allowing the cell to assess whether it is ready to move on to the next stage of division. For instance, if there is DNA damage, the checkpoints can halt the cell cycle to give the cell time to repair itself.

When mitogens bind to their respective receptors on the cell surface, they initiate a cascade of intracellular signaling that promotes the production of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). These proteins work together to push the cell past the checkpoints that normally inhibit progression in response to stress or damage. As a result, cells are allowed to continue through the cell cycle, leading to increased proliferation even when there are signals that would typically prevent it, such as DNA damage or environmental stress.

This overcoming of checkpoints is crucial for normal growth in development and tissue repair but can also lead to uncontrolled cell division in the context of cancer when mitogenic signals are aberr