What is the primary difference between normal cell division and cancer cell division?

• A. Normal cell division results in cells with identical DNA, while cancer cell division results in cells with different DNA.
• B. Normal cell division is faster than cancer cell division.
• C. Normal cell division occurs only in the presence of growth factors, whereas cancer cell division does not require any growth factors.
• D. Normal cell division is regulated by checkpoints, while cancer cell division bypasses these checkpoints.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of normal cell division: Normal cell division, also known as the cell cycle, is a highly regulated process that includes phases such as interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitosis (M phase). During this process, cells grow, replicate their DNA, and divide into two identical daughter cells.
2. Learn about the role of checkpoints in normal cell division: Checkpoints are control mechanisms in the cell cycle that ensure each phase is completed accurately before the cell proceeds to the next phase. These checkpoints help prevent errors such as DNA damage or incomplete replication.
3. Explore how cancer cell division differs: Cancer cells often bypass these regulatory checkpoints, allowing them to divide uncontrollably. This unchecked division can lead to the accumulation of mutations and the formation of tumors.
4. Consider the implications of bypassing checkpoints: When cancer cells bypass checkpoints, they do not undergo the same quality control as normal cells. This can result in cells with abnormal DNA and the potential for rapid, unregulated growth.
5. Summarize the primary difference: The key distinction between normal and cancer cell division is the regulation by checkpoints. Normal cell division is tightly controlled by these checkpoints, whereas cancer cell division often bypasses them, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.