What is the purpose of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

The purpose of checkpoints in the cell cycle is to ensure that there are no mistakes occurring in the mitotic process. In simpler terms, checkpoints act as a type of quality control which ensures that the major events of the cell cycle occur without mistakes. Checkpoints act to either halt cell division or to “approve” to proceed to the next step of the cell cycle. If a checkpoint assesses that a cell is unable to continue with replication, it may also instead enter the G0 phase.

Checkpoints in the cell cycle function to monitor the order, and integrity of the major events of the cell cycle. These include growth to the appropriate cell size, replication and integrity of chromosomes, and their proper segregation at mitosis.