1. The p53 protein, known as the "guardian of the genome", plays an important role in protecting against cancer by controlling the creation of eggs and sperm and preventing the accumulation of DNA mutations. 2. A protein called Mec1 in yeast plays a similar role as the "guardian of the genome" by helping to repair damaged DNA and prevent mutations during DNA replication. 3. Understanding how these proteins repair DNA damage and prevent mutations could provide new approaches for studying and curing diseases caused by genetic mutations like cancer.