Final answer:
The p53 protein is activated in response to DNA damage and plays a crucial role in the cell cycle. When there is no p53 protein, mutations accumulate faster from the unrepaired DNA, leading to tumor growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The p53 protein is activated in response to DNA damage. When there is no p53 protein, mutations accumulate even faster from the unrepaired DNA.
The p53 protein plays a crucial role in the cell cycle. It activates genes that halt the cell cycle, allowing time for DNA repair. It also activates genes involved in DNA repair.
A damaged p53 gene can result in the cell dividing as if there are no mutations, allowing the accumulation of new mutations in daughter cells. This can lead to the development of tumors.