Final answer:
If the GTPase activity of RAS is inhibited, the RAS protein will be unable to switch from GTP to GDP, leading to persistent activation and possible uncontrolled cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ran-GTP is not related to the question asked. Instead, the question pertains to the RAS protein, which when bound to GTP, can become overactive and lead to uncontrolled cell growth, such as in cancer. In the context of cancer, if the GTPase activity of RAS is inhibited, it means that RAS cannot convert GTP into GDP. A properly functioning RAS protein switches between an active and inactive state by binding to GTP (active) and hydrolyzing it to GDP (inactive). If this hydrolysis is impaired, RAS remains in its active form, continuously signaling for cell division even without the presence of growth factors, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and the potential development of cancer.