/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 What is the difference between a... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 25: Problem 20

What is the difference between an oncogene and a tumor-suppressor gene? Give two examples of each type of gene.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Oncogenes are genes that have the potential to cause cancer by promoting cell division, examples include RAS and c-MYC. On the other hand, tumor-suppressor genes are genes that prevent the formation of tumors by stopping cells from dividing too quickly or in an uncontrolled manner, examples include TP53 and BRCA1.

Step by step solution

01

Identifying an Oncogene

An oncogene is a gene that has the potential to cause cancer. In normal cells, these genes help to regulate cell growth and division. However, when they are altered or mutated, they can become 'switched on' so that the cell division process is constantly activated, leading to rapid and uncontrollable cell division which can eventually cause a tumor. Examples of oncogenes include RAS, which encodes a protein that regulates cell growth and multiplication, and c-MYC, a gene that regulates cell cycle progression.
02

Identifying a Tumor-Suppressor Gene

A tumor-suppressor gene is a gene that regulates cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too rapidly or in an uncontrolled way. When these genes are functioning normally, they help prevent the formation of tumors. However, if a mutation occurs in these genes, it can lead to unrestrained cell growth and tumor formation. Examples of tumor-suppressor genes include TP53, commonly known as the 'guardian of the genome' because it prevents genetically damaged cells from propagating, and BRCA1, a gene that normally repairs double-strand breaks in DNA but can lead to breast and other cancers when mutated.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Like Hurler syndrome, Fabry disease involves an abnormal accumulation of substances within lysosomes. However, the lysosomes of individuals with Fabry disease show an abnormal accumulation of lipids. The defective enzyme is \(\alpha\)-galactosidase \(\mathrm{A}\), which is a lysosomal enzyme that functions in lipid metabolism. The defect causes cell damage, especially to the kidneys, heart, and eyes. The gene that encodes \(\alpha\)-galactosidase \(A\) is found on the \(X\) chromosome. Let's suppose a phenotypically unaffected couple produces two sons with Fabry disease and one phenotypically unaffected daughter. What is the probability that the daughter will have an affected son?

With regard to cancer cells, which of the following statements are true? A. Cancer cells are clonal, which means they are derived from a single mutant cell. B. To become cancerous, cells usually accumulate multiple genetic changes that eventually result in uncontrolled growth. C. Most cancers are caused by oncogenic viruses. D. Cancer cells have lost the ability to properly regulate cell division.

What is a prion? Explain how a prion relies on normal cellular proteins to cause a disease such as mad cow disease.

Marfan syndrome is due to a mutation in a gene that encodes a protein called fibrillin- 1 . It is inherited as a dominant trait. The fibrillin-1 protein is the main constituent of extracellular microfibrils. These microfibrils can exist as individual fibers or associate with a protein called elastin to form elastic fibers. People with the disorder tend to be unusually tall with long limbs, and they may have defects in their heart valves and aorta. Let's suppose a phenotypically unaffected woman has a child with a man who has Marfan syndrome. A. What is the probability this child will have the disease? B. If this couple has three children, what is the probability that none of them will have Marfan syndrome?

Describe three types of genetic changes that commonly convert a proto-oncogene to an oncogene. Explain how the genetic changes are expected to alter the activity of the gene product.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Microbiology

Read Explanation

Substance Exchange

Read Explanation

Cell Communication

Read Explanation

Cells

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.