Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
c-MYC(Burkitt lymphoma)
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Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution64
- Ch. 2 - Transmission Genetics144
- Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity81
- Ch. 4 - Gene Interaction87
- Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes103
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages73
- Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication71
- Ch. 8 - Molecular Biology of Transcription and RNA Processing79
- Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation110
- Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization100
- Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination86
- Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage90
- Ch. 13 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes38
- Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics72
- Ch. 15 - Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications69
- Ch. 16 - Genomics: Genetics from a Whole-Genome Perspective49
- Ch. 17 - Organelle Inheritance and the Evolution of Organelle Genomes27
- Ch. 18 - Developmental Genetics43
- Ch. 19 - Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits66
- Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels105
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.1e
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.1eChapter 14, Problem C.1e
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
Which of these genes would you classify as a proto-oncogene and which as a tumor suppressor gene? Explain your categorization for each gene.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the roles of the two main categories of genes involved in cancer: proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Proto-oncogenes normally promote cell growth and division, while tumor suppressor genes inhibit cell division or promote apoptosis (programmed cell death).
Step 2: For each gene mentioned, research or recall its normal biological function. Determine if the gene's product typically acts to stimulate cell proliferation (suggesting it is a proto-oncogene) or to restrain cell growth and maintain genomic integrity (suggesting it is a tumor suppressor gene).
Step 3: Identify mutations associated with cancer for each gene. If mutations lead to a gain of function that causes excessive cell division, classify the gene as a proto-oncogene. If mutations cause a loss of function that removes growth inhibition, classify it as a tumor suppressor gene.
Step 4: Provide a clear explanation for each gene's classification by linking its normal function to how mutations disrupt cellular regulation and contribute to cancer development.
Step 5: Summarize the classification by listing each gene with its normal function, mutation effect, and whether it is a proto-oncogene or tumor suppressor gene, ensuring the reasoning is clear and based on the gene's role in cell cycle control.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Proto-oncogenes
Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that promote cell growth and division. When mutated or overexpressed, they become oncogenes that can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, contributing to cancer development. Examples include genes encoding growth factors, receptors, and signaling proteins.
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Cancer Mutations
Tumor Suppressor Genes
Tumor suppressor genes normally inhibit cell division, repair DNA damage, or initiate apoptosis to prevent tumor formation. Mutations that inactivate these genes remove growth restraints, allowing cells to proliferate uncontrollably. Classic examples include TP53 and RB1.
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Gene Mutation and Cancer Classification
Classifying genes as proto-oncogenes or tumor suppressors depends on their normal function and mutation effects. Gain-of-function mutations typically activate proto-oncogenes, while loss-of-function mutations inactivate tumor suppressor genes. Understanding these distinctions is key to linking gene mutations with cancer mechanisms.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
RB1(retinoblastoma)
3
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Textbook Question
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Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
p53(Li–Fraumeni syndrome)