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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the feedback loop involving oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the development of cancer?
A
Neither oncogenes nor tumor suppressor genes play a role in regulating the cell cycle or cancer development.
B
Both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes promote cell division, resulting in rapid tissue regeneration.
C
Oncogenes inhibit cell division, and tumor suppressor genes stimulate it; their interaction prevents tumor formation.
D
Oncogenes promote cell division, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it; loss of tumor suppressor function or activation of oncogenes disrupts the balance, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the roles of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes are mutated or overactive versions of normal genes (proto-oncogenes) that promote cell division. When activated, they can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Step 2: Recognize the function of tumor suppressor genes. These genes act as 'brakes' in the cell cycle, preventing excessive cell division and promoting repair or apoptosis (programmed cell death) when DNA damage occurs.
Step 3: Analyze the feedback loop. In a healthy system, there is a balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes promote cell division, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it, ensuring proper regulation of the cell cycle.
Step 4: Identify what happens when this balance is disrupted. If tumor suppressor genes lose function (e.g., through mutations) or oncogenes become overactive, the regulatory balance is lost. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, a hallmark of cancer.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: 'Oncogenes promote cell division, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit it; loss of tumor suppressor function or activation of oncogenes disrupts the balance, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.' This aligns with the mechanisms of cancer development.