Final answer:
Changes in the time an abnormal cell spends in different phases of the cell cycle can lead to uncontrolled cell division and altered cellular metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks how changes in the time an abnormal cell spends in each phase of the cell cycle affects its cellular metabolism. In a normal cell cycle, there are strict regulatory mechanisms in place, which include a series of checkpoints. These checkpoints prevent a cell from proceeding to the next phase until it's ready, thereby ensuring proper cell function and division. However, if these control mechanisms fail due to genetic abnormalities or environmental factors, it may lead to uncontrolled cell division, characteristic of cancer.
A mutation affecting the cell cycle control, such as an abnormal cyclin-dependent kinase at the G2/M checkpoint, can lead to a premature progression into mitosis, thus skipping essential repair and preparation processes. When abnormal cells divide at an accelerated rate, they consume more energy and resources, which alters the cell's normal metabolism. For example, an increase in glycolytic intermediates might be observed if the cells proliferate rapidly, indicating a heightened demand for energy. Further, the circadian clock and cell cycle can be affected by external factors like light, nutrition, and certain substances, impacting the regulation of metabolism.
Overall, the regulation of metabolism and cell cycle control are intrinsically connected, and disruptions to these processes can have significant implications for cell growth and function, potentially leading to cancerous growth if the homeostatic mechanisms are diverged or dysfunctional.