Cell cycle and apoptosis · USMLE Step 1

Which event typically precedes activation of apoptosis in a cell with extensive DNA damage that cannot be repaired?

Activation of cyclin-CDK complexes to drive cell division
Persistent cell-cycle checkpoint arrest with p53 activation
Immediate and unchecked entry into mitosis
Differentiation into a specialized nondividing cell

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Correct answer: Persistent cell-cycle checkpoint arrest with p53 activation

When DNA damage is irreparable, persistent arrest at cell cycle checkpoints often triggers p53-mediated pathways that lead to apoptosis, preventing propagation of damaged DNA.

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Which event typically precedes activation of apoptosis in a cell with extensive DNA damage that cannot be repaired?

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