Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are a family of protein kinases that play crucial roles in regulating the cell cycle by modifying target proteins through phosphorylation. They are activated by binding to cyclins, which are regulatory proteins whose levels fluctuate throughout the cell cycle. This interaction ensures that the cell cycle progresses in a timely manner and that cellular activities are coordinated, linking cell division with growth and developmental signals.
congrats on reading the definition of CDK. now let's actually learn it.