Scenario Jim Has Become Particularly Interested in the Genetic Basis of of Cancer

question 54

Multiple Choice

Scenario
Jim has become particularly interested in the genetic basis of cancer and has spent considerable time reading published papers about oncogenes. He learned that as early as 1972 researchers suggested that mutations in proto-oncogenes caused by carcinogens can convert the proto-oncogenes to oncogenes. He asked you to answer a couple of questions about this because he did not have a sufficient biology background.
-Jim learned that viruses can sometimes cause cancer and wants to know why. You tell him that ________.

• A)a human cell can acquire a tumor-suppressor gene from a virus
• B)a human cell can acquire a proto-oncogene from a virus
• C)a human cell can acquire an oncogene from a virus
• D)some viruses are passed from mother to child and cause "inherited" cancers

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Definitions:

X Sex Chromosome

One of the two sex chromosomes, X and Y, with individuals typically having two X chromosomes (XX) being genetically female and one X and one Y chromosome (XY) being genetically male.

Homozygous

Referring to an individual who has two identical alleles for a particular gene or genes, affecting their traits or conditions.

Mutations

changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome, which can result in variations in physical appearance, function, or behavior.

X-Linked Disorders

Genetic conditions that are caused by mutations in genes on the X chromosome; typically, males are more severely affected due to having only one X chromosome.