A gene instructs cells to produce a protein, p53, which attaches to damaged DNA when cell division occurs and stops it from being replicated. A carcinogen found in cigarette smoke mutates this gene. Which statement explains why this mutation may cause cancer?
- ALack of p53 allows cells to undergo mitosis.
- BLack of p53 allows cells with damaged DNA to replicate.
- CThe carcinogen in cigarette smoke increases the rate of cell division.
- DThe p53 causes uncontrolled cell division.