When these genes become mutated through a chromosomal abnormality, they can cause the cell cycle to continue in an uncontrolled fashion by turning off various mechanisms which normally prevent the cell from replicating in a disorderly way. In the end, the human body is composed of perhaps hundreds of kinds of cells. It has differentiated . Apoptosis Apoptosis , referred to as programmed cell death, is another intricate piece of the cell cycle. Apoptosis is a distinct form of death that is a programmed event and occurs in response to certain stimuli.
Apoptosis is essential for normal tissue development.
In addition, this system allows cells to self-destruct after detecting DNA damage rather than perpetuating mutations that might be lethal to the whole organism. The cell's decision to grow and repair the DNA damage or to induce apoptosis is not understood, but may be related to the degree of DNA damage. The p53 gene is a key participant in this process. The loss of p53 function can result in both inappropriate progression through the cell cycle after DNA damage and survival of a cell that might have otherwise died. The pRb gene also plays an important role in preventing the cell cycle from continuing in an uncontrolled manner.