How are mitosis and cancer related?

Mitosis is the process by which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. It is essential for growth and development of organisms, and for the repair of damaged tissue. However, mutations in genes involved in mitosis can also lead to cancer.

Cancer cells often have abnormal numbers of chromosomes, which can indicate problems with mitosis. For example, some cancer cells may have too many copies of certain chromosomes, while others may have too few. These changes in chromosome number can lead to changes in gene expression, which can ultimately promote the growth and survival of cancer cells.

In addition, some cancer cells may have mutations in genes that encode proteins involved in mitosis. These mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell division, which is a hallmark of cancer.

Therefore, while mitosis is essential for normal cell function, it can also be a source of problems that lead to cancer. Understanding the role of mitosis in cancer can help researchers develop new treatments for this devastating disease.