Multiple Choice
A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene causes what to happen?
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19. Cancer Genetics
Cancer Mutations
Multiple Choice
In the context of cancer mutations, what is a tumor suppressor gene?
A
A gene that encodes DNA polymerase and prevents mutations exclusively by increasing replication speed
B
A gene that becomes oncogenic when activated by gain-of-function mutations, driving uncontrolled cell division
C
A gene that normally restrains cell proliferation or promotes genome integrity, and whose loss-of-function increases cancer risk
D
A gene that is expressed only in tumor cells and directly causes metastasis when overexpressed
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of tumor suppressor genes in normal cellular function: these genes typically act to restrain cell proliferation or maintain genome integrity, preventing uncontrolled cell growth.
Recognize that tumor suppressor genes prevent cancer by ensuring cells do not divide uncontrollably or accumulate harmful mutations.
Identify that mutations causing loss-of-function in tumor suppressor genes reduce their ability to control cell growth, thereby increasing cancer risk.
Contrast tumor suppressor genes with oncogenes, which become cancer-promoting when activated by gain-of-function mutations, leading to increased cell division.
Conclude that the correct definition of a tumor suppressor gene is one that normally restrains cell proliferation or promotes genome integrity, and whose loss-of-function increases cancer risk.
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