Chapter 9, Problem 43A

Summary Introduction

To summarize:

The relationship betweenthe occurrence of cancer and age

Introduction:

A cell cycle has a system of control checkpoints to monitor the cycle and stop it if something goes wrong. Sometimes cells fail to respond to normal cell cycle control mechanisms and this leads to uncontrolled growth and division of cells.

Answer to Problem 43A

There is a greater risk of cancer developing at old age.

Explanation of Solution

Cancer is uncontrolled growth and division of cells. The changes occur in regulation of cell growth and division of cancer cells due to mutations or changes in certain segments of DNA. More than one change is required to change an abnormal cell into a cancer cell. Over time it is possible that there could be many changes in DNA. Often the genes are altered due to some environmental factors, age and food habits. As the person enters old age, his overall health begins to deteriorate and the immune system weakens. So there is an increased chance of cancer at old age.