Question 1

Which of these does NOT directly cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Inherited predispositions themselves do not directly cause cancer; rather, they increase an individual's susceptibility or likelihood of developing cancer when exposed to certain environmental factors or mutations.

Question 2

A woman who desires children but is about to undergo chemotherapy is told by her doctor that she should consider having several of her eggs removed and stored for future use.Why might a doctor encourage her to do this?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A woman who desires children but is...

Question 3

Skin cancer is the result of changes in DNA,but it is not usually passed on to the next generation.Explain why it is not passed on.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Skin cancer is the result of changes...

Question 4

What is a carcinogen?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a carcinogen?
...

Question 5

If one has an inherited allele known to be linked to an increased risk of cancer,what are some suggestions to lower the risk?

Accepted Answer

The answer of If one has an inherited allele known...

Question 6

You've just received the results of your BRCA analysis (a check for abnormal BRCA alleles).The results say that you carry one normal BRCA1 allele and one BRCA1 allele associated with cancer,and two BRCA2 alleles that are associated with cancer.Does this mean you will get cancer? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of You've just received the results of your...

Question 7

Proto-oncogenes are

Accepted Answer

Proto-oncogenes are normal cellular genes that are involved in the regulation of cell division and differentiation. They are required for normal cell division and are not cancer causing in normal cells. However, when these genes are mutated or overexpressed, they can become oncogenes and contribute to the development of cancer. Therefore, proto-oncogenes and their products play a key role in the control of cell proliferation and the maintenance of normal tissue homeostasis.

Question 8

Which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

While many mutations can lead to cancer, not all mutations cause cancer. Some mutations may not have any effect on the individual, while others may lead to other diseases or conditions.

Question 9

In normal cells,tumor suppressors are

Accepted Answer

Tumor suppressors are important genes that prevent uncontrolled cell proliferation and the formation of tumors. In normal cells, they function to repair damaged DNA or induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cells that have irreparable damage. This helps to maintain tissue homeostasis and prevent the accumulation of mutations that could lead to cancer.

Question 10

DNA insertions can have significant effects on an organism.How can adding DNA cause an impact?

Accepted Answer

The answer of DNA insertions can have significant effects on...

Question 11

Which of the following is most likely to be an INHERITED cancer?

Accepted Answer

Prostate cancer has a higher likelihood of being inherited compared to the other types of cancer listed. It is estimated that around 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations. In contrast, skin, liver, lung, and stomach cancers are more commonly caused by environmental factors such as exposure to UV radiation or tobacco smoke.

Question 12

What kind of mutation causes most types of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Mutations in cell cycle genes, such as tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, are the primary cause of most types of cancer. These mutations can disrupt the normal regulation of the cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Mutations in skin cells may lead to skin cancer, but this accounts for only a small percentage of cancer cases. Mutations in transcription factors and blood cells are not commonly associated with cancer development.

Question 13

List at least five carcinogens.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List at least five carcinogens.
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Question 14

A new gene is discovered,called GRAB.It prevents a cell from entering mitosis if there are any signs of DNA damage.This means that GRAB would be a type of

Accepted Answer

GRAB prevents cells with damaged DNA from entering mitosis, thus preventing the possibility of cells replicating with errors that could lead to cancer. This is a characteristic of tumor-suppressor genes which act as safeguards against the development of cancer.

Question 15

You have just had a BRCA analysis,in which your doctor ran tests to check for abnormal BRCA alleles.You learn that you have a BRCA allele that has been associated with cancer.Neither of your parents has this allele.How could this occur?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You have just had a BRCA analysis,in...

Question 16

Permanent activation or overexpression of proto-oncogenes

Accepted Answer

Proto-oncogenes, when permanently activated or overexpressed, can lead to cancer, including breast cancer, by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

Question 17

Somatic cells are

Accepted Answer

Somatic cells are all cells in an organism except those involved in reproduction. They do not become reproductive cells (eggs or sperm) and are not necessarily cancerous or tumor cells.

Question 18

Many cells in your body stop at the G1 checkpoint and never divide again.Some cells,like skin cells,will continue past the G1 checkpoint.What types of genes tell a skin cell to move on past the G1 checkpoint?

Accepted Answer

Proto-oncogenes are genes that promote cell division and growth, and can become oncogenes if mutated. These genes may be involved in signaling a skin cell to move past the G1 checkpoint and continue dividing. Tumor-suppressor genes, on the other hand, function to inhibit cell division and prevent the development of cancer, so they would not be involved in promoting cell division past the G1 checkpoint. Cell-enhancing genes and tumor-deflecting genes are not well-defined terms in genetics and do not refer to specific genes or mechanisms.

Question 19

Which occupation is high risk for a predisposition to cancer?

Accepted Answer

All of the listed occupations have a high risk for a predisposition to cancer due to exposure to chemicals and/or carcinogens during work activities. Chimney sweeping and coal mining involve exposure to asbestos and other hazardous chemicals, cabinet making involves exposure to wood dust which can cause nasal cancer, and shoe repair and manufacture involves exposure to leather dust and glue solvents which can lead to lung cancer.

Question 20

In healthy cells,if a mutation occurs in a proto-oncogene,what is the gene now termed?

Accepted Answer

If a mutation occurs in a proto-oncogene in healthy cells, it becomes an oncogene. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that control cell growth and division, but when mutated, they can become overactive and promote uncontrolled cell growth and division, leading to cancer.

Quiz 10: Mutations and Cancer Fighting Fate