If a mutation disables a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) in a cancer cell line, but the cells continue to divide uncontrollably, which consequence explains this observation?

💡 Explanation

Uncontrolled cell division despite RTK inactivation suggests an alternative mechanism bypassing the receptor's normal function. Constitutive activation of downstream proteins in the signaling pathway leads to proliferation, because these proteins are constantly active regardless of receptor status; therefore, the cell divides uncontrollably rather than undergoing apoptosis due to RTK pathway disruption.

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