The p53 gene is one of the body’s most powerful defense systems. 🧬 Often called the “guardian of the genome,” p53 plays a critical role in: • repairing damaged DNA • stopping abnormal cells from dividing • triggering the removal of cells that could become cancerous Some animals, like elephants, carry multiple copies of the p53 gene, which may help explain their remarkably low cancer rates despite having many more cells than humans. It’s one of nature’s most fascinating protective advantages. An