Mutant forms of tumor-suppressor genes typically behave in a recessive manner. However, a recent study of patients with multiple myeloma revealed that approximately 10% of these patients have one normal p53 gene and one mutant p53 gene. If it is the mutant p53 gene that is responsible for this group's cancer, which of the following statements would most likely be TRUE?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this context, the presence of one normal and one mutant p53 gene causing cancer suggests that the p53 gene may act in a haploinsufficient manner, where a single functional copy of the gene is not sufficient to maintain normal function.

Mutant Forms of Tumor-Suppressor Genes Typically Behave in a Recessive