Final answer:
P53 halts cell division at the G₁ checkpoint when it senses DNA damage, preventing the replication of damaged DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
P53 halts cell division when it senses DNA damage at the G₁ checkpoint of the cell cycle. It acts as a tumor suppressor protein and helps maintain the integrity of the genome. When damaged DNA is detected, p53 stops the cell cycle and recruits enzymes for DNA repair. If the DNA damage is irreparable, p53 can trigger apoptosis to prevent the replication of damaged DNA.