A gene contains the instructions for making the protein p53, which attaches to damaged DNA during interphase and stops it from being copied. A carcinogen in cigarette smoke changes the gene that codes for the p53 protein, so the protein is not produced. Which statement explains why this mutation may cause cancer?
- ACells with no p53 are able to undergo mitosis.
- BCells with no p53 replicate their damaged DNA.
- CThe carcinogen in cigarette smoke increases the rate of cell division.
- DThe mutated p53 causes uncontrolled cell division.