A research team discovers a mutation in the gene encoding a…

A research team discovers a mutation in the gene encoding a cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) that allows it to be constitutively active without cyclin binding. Additionally, this cell line has a nonfunctional p53 protein due to a separate mutation. During DNA replication in S phase, multiple errors occur due to exposure to UV radiation. Which of the following outcomes is most likely?

DNA Replication Fidelity Study Researchers investigated the…

DNA Replication Fidelity Study Researchers investigated the relationship between DNA replication accuracy and cancer development. They examined three groups of cells: Group A: Normal cells with fully functional DNA polymerase proofreading, mismatch repair, and nucleotide excision repair Group B: Cells with a mutation that reduces DNA polymerase proofreading efficiency by 80% Group C: Cells with mutations in both DNA polymerase proofreading and the p53 tumor suppressor gene The cells were grown for 50 generations and analyzed for mutation accumulation and cell cycle progression. During S phase, DNA polymerase adds nucleotides to the 3′ end of the growing strand, synthesizing the leading strand continuously and the lagging strand in Okazaki fragments. Proofreading occurs when DNA polymerase detects mismatched base pairs and uses its 3′ to 5′ exonuclease activity to remove incorrect nucleotides. prolif.jpg Based on the passage and data, which statement best explains why Group C showed both the highest mutation rate AND continued proliferation despite DNA damage?