For cancer to form in the presence of a tumor suppressor gene,which of the following is necessary?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tumor suppressor genes are responsible for regulating cell growth and division. Inactivation or loss of function of these genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the formation of cancer. Both copies of a tumor suppressor gene must be inactivated for this to occur, as the remaining functional copy can still help regulate cell growth. This process is known as a "two-hit" model of cancer formation. Activation of a tumor suppressor gene would actually prevent cancer formation, so option B is incorrect, while option D is also incorrect as tumor suppressor genes are indeed involved in cancer formation. Option C partially reflects the two-hit model, but it does not take into account that both copies of the gene must be inactivated.

For Cancer to Form in the Presence of a Tumor