Final answer:
In cancer cells, the loss of a functional p53 protein impacts the cell cycle, leading to shortened cell cycles and the accumulation of mutations in daughter cells, resulting in tumor growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
In cancer cells, the loss of a functional p53 protein is a crucial event that impacts the cell cycle. Mutated p53 may be unable to trigger the production of p21, which is necessary for the effective blockage of Cdk activation. Without this block, the G1 checkpoint is compromised, and the cell proceeds directly from G1 to S phase, regardless of internal and external conditions.
The loss of a fully functional p53 protein in cancer cells leads to a shortened cell cycle, producing daughter cells that inherit the mutated p53 gene and likely acquire additional mutations. These daughter cells accumulate both oncogenes and non-functional tumor suppressor genes, resulting in tumor growth.