What is a common outcome of genomic instability in cells?

Genomic instability refers to an increased tendency for the genome to acquire mutations and alterations. This instability can lead to various outcomes, one of the most significant being the higher likelihood of developing cancer. When a cell has genomic instability, it is more susceptible to accumulating mutations in critical genes that regulate cell growth, division, and apoptosis. These mutations can affect oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, disrupting normal cellular regulation and potentially leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation characteristic of cancer.

In contrast, options relating to increased DNA repair efficiency and enhanced genomic preservation would suggest a more stable genome rather than an unstable one. Inhibition of cell division implies a reduction in cell growth capabilities, which is not a direct outcome of genomic instability as such instability often promotes unhealthy cell proliferation rather than suppressing it. Thus, the association of genomic instability with a heightened risk for cancer makes the assertion about the likelihood of developing cancer the correct choice.