Which statement best explains why mutations in some genes can lead to cancer?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The mutated genes no longer control the cell cycle
- Step 1: Proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes control cell division.
- Step 2: When mutated, division is no longer regulated, and a tumour can grow.
Answer
The mutated genes no longer control the cell cycle.
Why not the others: The mutated genes stop all cells from carrying out meiosis: cancer arises from uncontrolled mitosis. The mutated genes cause cells to skip DNA replication: cancer cells replicate DNA and divide. The mutated genes make cells smaller so they are not noticed by the immune system: cell size is not the cause.
Practise more Cell division and sex determination.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed ESAT (Engineering and Science Admissions Test) mock tests.
More Cell division and sex determination questions
- An organism has chromosomes. Ignoring crossing over, how many genetically different gametes can it produce?
- In a sample of onion root-tip cells, are in mitosis. What is the mitotic index?
- A body cell of an organism has chromosomes. How many chromosomes are in each daughter cell after mitosis, and in each gamete after meio…
- A couple has two children. What is the probability that both are girls?
- Failure of homologous chromosomes to separate in meiosis results in a gamete with an extra chromosome. What is this called, and what total c…