# Explain how uncontrolled mitosis can lead to cancer and describe one consequence of this for the body.

> Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 2.1 Mitosis and the cell cycle · Explain · 4 marks

> Cancer is a non-communicable disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It arises when changes occur in cells that affect the normal cell cycle.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Cancer is caused by changes in the cell that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division (mitosis)
2. The cell cycle is no longer regulated / the normal controls on the cell cycle are lost
3. A tumour (mass of cells) forms as a result of continued uncontrolled division
4. The tumour can compress / invade surrounding tissues or organs, preventing them from functioning normally (accept: the tumour may spread to other parts of the body)

## Key terms

- [cancer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cancer)
- [mitosis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitosis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-uncontrolled-mitosis-can-lead-36f7c233) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.