Cell cycle regulation is a crucial process that ensures cells divide correctly and at the right time. This regulation involves a series of checkpoints that monitor the cell's progress through the cell cycle, which includes phases like interphase and mitosis. Key proteins, known as cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), play essential roles in controlling these checkpoints, helping to prevent errors that could lead to issues like cancer. When a cell encounters problems, such as DNA damage, regulatory mechanisms can halt the cycle to allow for repairs. If the damage is irreparable, the cell may undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death, to prevent the propagation of faulty cells. This balance between cell division and repair is vital for maintaining healthy tissue and overall organismal health.