QQuestionBiology
QuestionBiology
What are two reasons that cells divide rather than continue to grow indefinitely?
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Answer
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Step 1: To understand why cells divide rather than continue to grow indefinitely, it is important to consider the concept of "contact inhibition" and the process of DNA replication.
Step 2: Contact inhibition is a phenomenon where cells stop dividing when they come into contact with other cells.
This helps to maintain proper tissue structure and density. When cells reach a certain size or density, they release signals that inhibit further cell division. If cells did not have this mechanism, they would continue to grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to tissue overgrowth and potential harm to the organism.
Final Answer
Contact inhibition helps to maintain proper tissue structure and density, while the Hayflick limit ensures the stability of the genome over time by limiting the number of DNA replication cycles.
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