Question

multiple choice
listen
in which of the following ways can a cell prevent damaged dna from passing to its daughter cells?
select all that apply.
a divide more quickly
b cause the cell to die
c use mitochondrial dna instead
d fix the damage

Explanation:

• Option A: Faster division would spread damaged DNA faster, so it is incorrect.
• Option B: Programmed cell death (apoptosis) of a cell with damaged DNA stops it from dividing and passing on faulty DNA, so this is a valid mechanism.
• Option C: Mitochondrial DNA is separate from nuclear DNA and does not replace damaged nuclear DNA for inheritance to daughter cells, so this is incorrect.
• Option D: DNA repair mechanisms fix damaged DNA before cell division, preventing the damaged DNA from being passed to daughter cells, so this is a valid mechanism.

Answer:

B. cause the cell to die
D. fix the damage