Final answer:
Lung cancer occurs due to abnormal cell growth in the lungs, often caused by exposure to tobacco smoke. It relates to the cell cycle through disruptions in the control mechanisms that regulate cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lung Cancer and its Relation to the Cell Cycle
Lung cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the lungs. It occurs when abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, forming tumors that can interfere with normal lung function. This disease is often linked to exposure to tobacco smoke, but it can also be caused by other factors such as exposure to certain chemicals.
In relation to the cell cycle, lung cancer involves disruptions in the normal control mechanisms that regulate cell division. Normally, cells undergo a series of stages in the cell cycle, including DNA replication, growth, and division. However, in lung cancer, mutations in genes can disrupt these processes, leading to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.
Example: Mutations in the p53 gene, which helps regulate the cell cycle, are frequently found in lung cancer cells. These mutations can prevent cells from undergoing apoptosis (cell death) when necessary, allowing abnormal cells to accumulate and form tumors.
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