Final answer:
Ras is part of the signal transduction pathway initiated by EGF binding to EGFR, leading to the activation of the MAP kinase cascade and resulting in cell division. Ras plays a key role in transmitting signals from the cell surface receptor to the nucleus to promote cell cycle progression. Dysfunctional Ras signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, potentially resulting in cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of Ras in Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) signaling that results in cell division is crucial as it is part of the signal transduction pathway initiated when EGF binds to its receptor. EGF is known to regulate cell growth, wound healing, and tissue repair. It functions as a mitogen, which are ligands that promote cell growth. When EGF attaches to the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) known as EGFR (EGF receptor), Ras, a G-protein, becomes activated. Ras then triggers the MAP kinase pathway leading to cell division.
Ras activates a series of phosphorylation events that ultimately increase the expression of proteins that control the cell cycle and division. A fully functional Ras protein is essential for correctly relaying the signal from the cell surface to the nucleus, resulting in the appropriate cellular response of cell division. However, if Ras or any part of the signaling pathway is dysfunctional, such as by mutation, it can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is a hallmark of cancer. The activity of the Ras protein can be linked to a notable number of cancers, indicating its significance in cell division and growth regulation.