44. How does the p53 gene protect against the development of cancer? (A) The p53 is normally expressed at a high level but this decrease if the DNA is damaged. (B) If the DNA is not repaired, the p53 gene can induce apoptosis of the cell. (C) The p53 protein can activate genes that cause the inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinases which are needed for the cell to proceed through the restriction point in S phase.