Chapter 25: Problem 21
What is a proto-oncogene? What are the typical functions of proteins encoded by proto-oncogenes? At the level of protein function, what are the general ways that proto-oncogenes can be converted to oncogenes?
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Chapter 25: Problem 21
What is a proto-oncogene? What are the typical functions of proteins encoded by proto-oncogenes? At the level of protein function, what are the general ways that proto-oncogenes can be converted to oncogenes?
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What is a retroviral oncogene? Is it necessary for viral infection and proliferation? How have retroviruses acquired oncogenes?
We often speak of diseases such as phenylketonuria (PKU) and achondroplasia as having a genetic basis. Explain whether the following statements are accurate with regard to the genetic basis of any human disease (not just PKU and achondroplasia). A. An individual must inherit two copies of a mutant allele to have disease symptoms. B. A genetic predisposition means that an individual has inherited one or more alleles that make it more likely that she or he will develop disease symptoms than other individuals in a population will. C. A genetic predisposition to develop a disease may be passed from parents to offspring. D. The genetic basis for a disease is always more important than the environment.
Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing prion diseases. Examples are described in Table 25.6. In the case of Gerstmann-Straulssler- Scheinker disease, the age of onset is typically \(30-50\) years, and the duration of the disease (which leads to death) is about 5 years. Suggest a possible explanation why someone can live for a relatively long time without symptoms and then succumb to the disease in a relatively short time.
Discuss why a genetic disease might have a particular age of onset. Would an infectious disease have an age of onset? Explain why or why not.
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?
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