In cancer cells one allele of the tumor suppressor gene p53 is frequently mutated so that the protein is inactive, not produced, or deleted. The other allele will usually have a normal sequence and the promoter remains intact but the gene is not expressed. Sequencing with sodium bisulfite modification of DNA can be used to detect which cytosines are methylated. If the cancer cell DNA is sequenced what would be the anticipated results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mutation of one allele of p53 in cancer cells suggests that the promoter region of the other allele remains intact. However, the gene is not expressed, which could be due to methylation of cytosines in or near the promoter region. Therefore, the anticipated results would be that cytosines in or near the promoter region of p53 will be methylated.

In Cancer Cells One Allele of the Tumor Suppressor Gene