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During a science project, David observes the healing process of a cut on his arm. He notices that over a few days, the wound gradually closes as new skin forms. His teacher explains that the cell cycle is responsible for this healing process. David is curious about how the cell cycle contributes to the wound healing and overall growth of new skin cells. What role does the cell cycle play in the healing of David's cut and the formation of new skin?
The cell cycle halts the division of cells around the wound, preventing further damage to the skin.
The cell cycle stimulates the division of new skin cells, which replace the damaged ones and close the wound.
The cell cycle accelerates the death of damaged skin cells, allowing the wound to close more quickly.
The cell cycle increases the size of existing skin cells, which stretch to cover the wound.

1 answer

The correct answer is: The cell cycle stimulates the division of new skin cells, which replace the damaged ones and close the wound.

During the healing process, the cell cycle plays a crucial role by promoting the proliferation (division) of skin cells. This leads to the formation of new cells that replace the damaged ones and aid in closing the wound. The stages of the cell cycle—particularly mitosis—are essential for generating new cells, which is vital for the repair and regeneration of tissues like skin after an injury.