Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following describes the normal function of the p53 gene product?
A
It promotes cell division by activating oncogenes.
B
It inhibits apoptosis by stabilizing mitochondrial membranes.
C
It acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis.
D
It repairs DNA by directly binding to damaged sites.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of the p53 gene: The p53 gene is known as a tumor suppressor gene, which means it helps prevent the formation of tumors by regulating the cell cycle and promoting apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Identify the incorrect options: The first option suggests that p53 promotes cell division by activating oncogenes, which is incorrect because oncogenes are typically associated with cancer promotion, not suppression.
Evaluate the second option: The second option states that p53 inhibits apoptosis by stabilizing mitochondrial membranes. This is incorrect because p53 actually promotes apoptosis, not inhibits it.
Consider the third option: The third option correctly describes p53 as a tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis, aligning with its known function in preventing cancer.
Analyze the fourth option: The fourth option claims that p53 repairs DNA by directly binding to damaged sites. While p53 is involved in DNA repair processes, it does not directly bind to damaged DNA sites; instead, it activates other genes involved in DNA repair.