Which function of the cell cycle is especially important to burn victims?

• A. Halting the cell cycle at the G1 checkpoint
• B. Promoting cell division for tissue regeneration
• C. Initiating programmed cell death (apoptosis)
• D. Condensing chromatin during mitosis

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the cell cycle and its phases: The cell cycle consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitosis. G1 is the first gap phase where the cell grows and prepares for DNA replication. S phase is where DNA replication occurs, and G2 is the second gap phase where the cell prepares for mitosis. Mitosis is the division of the cell nucleus, followed by cytokinesis.
2. Recognize the importance of cell division in tissue regeneration: For burn victims, damaged tissue needs to be replaced. This requires the promotion of cell division to generate new cells that can replace the damaged ones.
3. Evaluate the role of checkpoints in the cell cycle: The G1 checkpoint ensures that the cell is ready for DNA replication. While halting the cell cycle at this checkpoint is important for preventing errors, it is not directly related to tissue regeneration.
4. Understand programmed cell death (apoptosis): Apoptosis is a process where cells are systematically destroyed. While this is important for removing damaged cells, it does not contribute to tissue regeneration in burn victims.
5. Analyze chromatin condensation during mitosis: Chromatin condensation is necessary for the proper segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, but the key function for burn victims is promoting cell division to regenerate tissue.