Although this meme is really funny, it is serious for a cell to run out of proteins for DNA replication because it signals to the cell there was a failure in maintaining genetic integrity. This failure triggers quality control mechanisms, through these signals, the cell decides to “end it all” to prevent further harm to itself or surrounding cells, such as mutations that could lead to cancer. The button labeled, “Apoptosis”, refers to programmed cell death (cell suicide), a self-destructive process that is activated when a cell is too damaged or dysfunctional to continue living.
I chose this meme because it highlights the importance of proteins in DNA replication in a classic “press the button” format. I originally saw this post before starting my current cell biology class, and I did not consider the significance of proteins in DNA replication to the full extent that I do now. Memes like this are my favorite because they find a way to combine biology-based facts with dark humor.