What is the relationship between cancer and the cell cycle? (Hint: Focus on what happens in the cell cycle that causes cancer.) 

You must use the following vocabulary words from this unit:

Cell cycle

Mitosis

Cancer

Checkpoint 

Answer this in 3-5 complete sentences. Do NOT plagiarize. 

1 answer

The relationship between cancer and the cell cycle is primarily rooted in the disruptions that occur at various checkpoints during cell division. The cell cycle consists of phases that regulate the growth and replication of cells, with checkpoints ensuring that cells do not proceed to mitosis unless they are ready and free of damage. When these checkpoints fail due to mutations or malfunctions in regulatory proteins, cells can divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of cancer. This unchecked progression through the cell cycle can result in the formation of tumors, as cancer cells bypass normal controls that would typically stop improper or excessive mitosis.