Question

which statement describes what would most likely happen if p53 mutated and could not perform its task?
a the cell would regain control of the cell cycle by using a type of lipid instead of p53.
b the cell would divide without control and lead to the formation of cancer.
c the cell would divide without control and produce new cells that make p53 without the mutation.
d the cell would regain control of the cell cycle by adding an additional checkpoint at cytokinesis.

Explanation:

The p53 protein is a tumor - suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and prevents uncontrolled cell division. If it mutates and cannot function, cells may divide uncontrollably, which is a characteristic of cancer development. Lipids cannot replace p53's function in cell - cycle control. Also, a mutated cell would not produce new cells without the p53 mutation just by dividing out of control, and adding an additional checkpoint at cytokinesis is not a likely response to p53 mutation.

Answer:

B. The cell would divide without control and lead to the formation of cancer.