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The Cell Cycle & Mitosis Tutorial

Problem 9: Cancer

The sputum (fluid coughed up from the lungs) of many smokers contain cells with mutations (errors) in the genes for p53. The smoking induced mutations appear to be an early signal showing that cancer of the lungs will follow. What is the likely relationship between early p53 mutation and the development of lung cancer?

A.	p53 with a mutation directly stimulates the growth of cancer cells.
	Incorrect. p53 can block the cell cycle allowing DNA repair or stimulate apoptosis.

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