Final answer:
Mutations in the p53 gene lead to increased cell division. Mutated p53 genes have been identified in more than half of all human tumor cells, allowing cells to divide and accumulate new mutations. This can lead to the formation of tumors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations in the p53 gene lead to increased cell division.
Mutated p53 genes have been identified in more than half of all human tumor cells. The p53 protein plays multiple roles at the G₁ checkpoint, including activating genes that halt the cell cycle, participate in DNA repair, or initiate cell death when DNA damage cannot be repaired. Mutations in the p53 gene can result in cells behaving as if there are no mutations, allowing increased cell division and accumulation of new mutations.