Mitosis is a controlled process; uncontrolled cell division can lead to tumours and cancers
Normally, cells divide in a tightly controlled way. When that control breaks down, cells divide without stopping — forming a tumour, which can become cancer.
Real World
Mutations in the BRCA1 gene — famously associated with Angelina Jolie's decision to have preventive surgery — disrupt a key cell-cycle checkpoint protein, allowing damaged cells to divide unchecked and greatly increasing breast cancer risk.
Exam Focus
When asked to 'explain' how uncontrolled division causes cancer, link checkpoint failure → continuous division → tumour formation — all three steps are needed.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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