Cancer is a disease of enhanced proliferation and cell survival. DNA repair mechanisms are normally important for cell survival. When a cell senses DNA damage, the cell cycle is inhibited until the damage is fixed. Given the importance of DNA repair mechanisms, how can their failure lead to the production of cancer cells with a competitive advantage over normal cells?

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Clara Holloway

Biology

22 September, 12:31

Cancer is a disease of enhanced proliferation and cell survival. DNA repair mechanisms are normally important for cell survival. When a cell senses DNA damage, the cell cycle is inhibited until the damage is fixed. Given the importance of DNA repair mechanisms, how can their failure lead to the production of cancer cells with a competitive advantage over normal cells?

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Braxton Ballard · Answer 1

Conclusion. Cancer is unchecked cell growth. Mutations in genes can cause cancer by accelerating cell division rates or inhibiting normal controls on the system, such as cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death. As a mass of cancerous cells grows, it can develop into a tumor.