Question

Which of the following treatments would cause an increase in p53 protein levels in a G1 cell?

A) DNA damage
B) Protein synthesis inhibition
C) Increased ATP levels
D) Elevated pH levels

Answer 1

DNA damage is the treatment that causes an increase in p53 protein levels in a G1 cell since p53 is a key player at the G1 checkpoint, which responds to DNA damage by repairing or initiating apoptosis to prevent the propagation of damaged DNA.

The correct answer is option A) DNA damage

Step-by-step explanation:

Among the following treatments that would cause an increase in p53 protein levels in a G1 cell, DNA damage is the correct answer (A). p53 acts primarily at the G1 checkpoint to prevent the cell cycle from proceeding if there is any DNA damage. This tumor suppressor protein plays a vital role by either halting the cell cycle to allow DNA repair or initiating apoptosis if the damage is irreparable. Therefore, cellular stress or any condition leading to DNA damage would elevate p53 levels to manage cell cycle progression, DNA repair, and possibly apoptosis.

Protein synthesis inhibition (B) would likely decrease p53 levels since it would block the synthesis of all proteins, including p53. Increased ATP levels (C) do not directly correlate with an increase in p53; instead, p53 regulates the shift from respiratory to glycolytic pathways, affecting ATP production. Elevated pH levels (D) are not typically associated with an increase in p53 protein levels either.