In the context of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, how would the loss of p53 activity most likely affect a cell after DNA damage?

• A. The cell becomes unable to activate telomerase, leading to immediate shortening of telomeres and rapid senescence in all cases
• B. The cell is less likely to arrest the cell cycle or undergo apoptosis, increasing survival and proliferation of damaged cells
• C. The cell is locked in permanent G0 because p53 loss constitutively activates the DNA damage checkpoint
• D. The cell has increased accuracy of DNA repair because p53 normally inhibits repair enzymes

Answer: (B)