A gene directs the synthesis of a protein, p53, which attaches to damaged DNA during interphase and stops it from being copied. A carcinogen in cigarette smoke alters this gene. Which statement explains why this mutation may cause cancer?
- ACells with no p53 are allowed to undergo mitosis.
- BCells with no p53 allow their damaged DNA to replicate.
- CThe carcinogen in cigarette smoke increases the rate of cell division.
- DThe p53 causes uncontrolled cell division.