Final answer:
Cell division is the process by which a cell divides to form two new cells. Cancer occurs when the mechanisms that regulate cell division fail, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and potentially to tumor formation or leukemia.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Cell Division?
Cell division is a fundamental process in which a single cell divides to form two new cells. It is a crucial part of the life cycle of almost all cells. There are two primary types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is the division of a cell resulting in two identical daughter cells, while meiosis is the division that occurs in sexual reproduction, leading to genetically diverse offspring.
Mechanisms for Cancer
Cancer arises when there is a breakdown in the mechanisms that regulate the cell cycle. This can begin with a change in a cell's DNA due to mutation or damage, which alters the DNA sequence of genes that are responsible for the regulation of the cell cycle. Such mutations can lead to the production of proteins that do not function properly. Without effective regulation, cells can begin to divide uncontrollably. As these errors accumulate, cell cycle checkpoints may fail completely, allowing these abnormal cells to proliferate rapidly and form masses known as tumors or lead to leukemia when the uncontrolled division occurs in the bone marrow. Cancer cells monopolize the body's resources, crowding out normal cells, and can ultimately cause organ failure and death.