A Certain Mutation in the Receptor for Epidermal Growth Factor

question 7

Essay

A certain mutation in the receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) causes the mutated receptor protein to send a positive signal along the associated intracellular signaling pathway even when the EGF ligand is not bound to it.This signal leads to abnormal cell proliferation in the absence of growth factor.On the basis of this information, would you class the gene for the EGF receptor as a tumor suppressor gene or a potential oncogene? Explain your answer.

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Definitions:

Gains from Trade

Gains from trade refer to the increase in consumer and producer surplus that occurs when countries specialize in the production of goods and services in which they have a comparative advantage and then trade with others.

Deadweight Losses

Losses in social welfare, usually measured in terms of lost revenue or surplus, resulting from inefficiencies in a market or the economy.

Taxes

Necessary financial levies or assorted kinds of dues imposed on an individual by a governmental structure to facilitate government finance and numerous public investments.

Deadweight Loss

A decrease in economic productivity that happens when a good or service does not reach or cannot reach its equilibrium state.