Question

19. Cells are the building blocks of life. Cell division is usually a controlled and standard process. What could happen if cell division became uncontrolled (or abnormal)? Watch this video and explain the effects of unregulated (or abnormal) cellular processes on the body

Answer 1

Cell division is a highly regulated process in which a parent cell divides into two daughter cells. It is responsible for the growth and development of an organism. It is controlled by different genes that control cellular growth. If this regulation is lost, it leads to cancer which is basically an uncontrolled cell division.

Cancer cells arise as a result of gene mutations leading to uncontrolled division. They grow rapidly, with abnormal morphology and very poor differentiation. They are insensitive to growth inhibitor signals and also lack a programmed cell death. As a result a mass of cells called the tumor arises which can be benign or malignant.

Answer 2

Abnormal cell division leads to formation of cancer cell.

In the normal cell, cell division is controlled by mechanisms that include the activity of those genes that promote cell proliferation and those that suppress it. Uncontrolled cell division change the status of the cells. They divide more rapidly and become less dependent on signals from other cells. As a consequence these cells’ growth rate increase and the spread through the whole body via metastasis.