Question

While writing a paper on cancer, Maria discovered a lot of information about what happens in a cell to cause the uncontrolled growth that is

characteristic of cancer. Which of the following statements most correctly explains the uncontrolled growth?
-A mutation, which affected one of the check points during the cell cycle, caused the cell to continue to grow resulting in a cancerous
tumor.
-DNA replication did not occur during the cell cycle which caused increased cellular content resulting in a cancerous tumor.
-A checkpoint during the M phase of the cell cycle was over activated and stimulated which caused the cell to swell resulting in a
cancerous tumor.
-During the G1 phase of the cell cycle, the DNA continued to replicate repeatedly causing it to grow into a cancerous tumor.

Answer 1

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth which leads to the formation of tumors. The development of cancer is a complex process that involves the mutation of genes that regulate cell growth and division.

According to Maria's research, the most correct statement that explains why cancer cells grow uncontrollably is that a mutation affecting one of the checkpoints during the cell cycle causes the cell to continue to grow, resulting in a cancerous tumor. The cell cycle is the process by which cells divide and replicate. During this process, there are checkpoints that ensure that cells are dividing properly and that their DNA is not damaged. If a mutation occurs in one of these checkpoints, the cell may continue to divide and grow uncontrollably, leading to the development of cancer cells.

It is important to note that cancer cells are different from normal cells in that they do not undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). This means that they continue to grow and divide, even when they are not needed, leading to the formation of tumors that can spread to other parts of the body.

In conclusion, a mutation affecting one of the checkpoints during the cell cycle is the most correct statement that explains the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Understanding how cancer cells develop and grow is crucial in developing effective treatments for this disease.