Chapter 9, Problem 29A

Summary Introduction

To replace:

The incorrect term with correct vocabulary terminthe given sentence.

Introduction:

Cell division and apoptosis are two very important aspects of growth and development of an organism. Cell division helps in growth and repair of tissues. Apoptosis refers to programmed death of cells which results in decrease in number of cells. A series of events lead to complete destruction of cells undergoing apoptosis. This helps in preventing tumors from developing and forming cancers.

Answer to Problem 29A

Apoptosis is a cell response to DNA damage that results in cell death.

Explanation of Solution

Apoptosis refers to programmed death of cells which results in decrease in number of cells. This phenomenon may be triggered by some internal and external factors. It may occur in cells that are damaged beyond repair, including cells with DNA damage that could lead to cancer. Cancer occurs when the normal cell cycle is disrupted and the cell does not respond to control mechanisms. Cancer is uncontrolled growth and division of cells. These unchecked cancer cells can even kill the organism by crowding out normal cells. The changes occur in regulation of cell growth and division of cancer cells due to mutations or changes in certain segments of DNA. Often the genes are altered due to some environmental factors, age and food habits.

Hence the correct word in the given sentence is apoptosis and not cancer.