Final answer:
Cells exposed to stressful stimuli such as X-rays and damaging chemicals halt their progression through the cell cycle to repair DNA damage, which prevents the propagation of errors and potential cancer development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells withdraw from the cell cycle after exposure to stressful stimuli, such as X-rays and damaging chemicals, in order to repair any damage incurred. When cells detect DNA damage, they halt their progression through the cell cycle at specific checkpoints.
During this pause, cells engage in crucial biochemical activities to correct any physical or chemical aberrations. This DNA repair mechanism is vital for maintaining genomic stability and preventing the cells from propagating errors to daughter cells. If the repair is successful, the cell then has the opportunity to resume its progression through the cell cycle.
However, if the damage is beyond repair, the cell may enter a state of permanent arrest called senescence, or undergo programmed cell death, apoptosis, to prevent potential oncogenesis(the formation of cancer).