How does stomach cancer relate to the cell cycle?

1 Answer
Jun 19, 2017

Cancer is uncontrolled division of cells, or in other words, a disease of the cell cycle.

Explanation:

When stomach cells become cancerous and divide rapidly, it is most likely a cell cycle issue.

During the cell cycle, "checkpoints" exist to ensure that a cell divides when it is supposed to. For instance, checkpoints make sure that

  • all the genetic code (DNA) has been replicated accurately in a cell
  • chromosomes are lined up properly at the middle of the cell during metaphase
  • spindle fibers or properly attached to the chromosomes

before cell division begins.

When cancer occurs, it could be a result of positive regulators being over-activated or cell cycle inhibitors being inactivated . Changes in cell cycle activity and inhibitors/regulators are due to mutations in the genetic code of the proteins.

Additionally, when a normal cell becomes damaged, the cell cycle usually forces the cell to undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Cancer cells manage to avoid this cell death.

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