Question

What ways (more than one) can cell division and the cell cycle go wrong that lead to cancer? 

Answer 1

Cancer is characterized by unregulated cell proliferation and metastasis. Cancer can result by mutations in two types of genes that regulate the cell cycle.

i. Tumor suppressor genes: These genes are anti-division genes. They inhibit cell division and promote apoptosis. If the function of these genes is lost due to loss of function mutations, it will lead to unregulated cell proliferation. Ex: p53

ii. Oncogenes: These genes are pro-division genes. They promote cell division and inhibit apoptosis. If the function of these genes is hyper-activated due to gain of function mutations, it will lead to unregulated cell proliferation. Ex: Ras

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