Multiple Choice
Tumor suppressors are mutated genes that results in higher amounts of gene activity.
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20. Cancer
Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors
Multiple Choice
In the context of oncogenes and tumor suppressors, how would the loss of p53 activity most likely affect a cell after DNA damage?
A
The cell becomes unable to activate telomerase, leading to immediate shortening of telomeres and rapid senescence in all cases
B
The cell is less likely to arrest the cell cycle or undergo apoptosis, increasing survival and proliferation of damaged cells
C
The cell is locked in permanent G0 because p53 loss constitutively activates the DNA damage checkpoint
D
The cell has increased accuracy of DNA repair because p53 normally inhibits repair enzymes
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the normal role of p53 in the cell: p53 is a tumor suppressor protein that acts as a key regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis, especially in response to DNA damage.
Recognize that when DNA damage occurs, p53 is activated and can induce cell cycle arrest, allowing time for DNA repair, or trigger apoptosis if the damage is irreparable.
Consider the effect of loss of p53 activity: without functional p53, the cell loses its ability to effectively halt the cell cycle or initiate programmed cell death in response to DNA damage.
Analyze the consequence of this loss: damaged cells continue to survive and proliferate because the checkpoints that normally prevent propagation of mutations are compromised.
Conclude that this increased survival and proliferation of damaged cells can contribute to tumorigenesis, as the cell accumulates mutations without proper control.
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