Why Is a Person Who Has Inherited One Copy of a Harmful

question 63

Multiple Choice

Why is a person who has inherited one copy of a harmful BRCA allele much more likely to have early-onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer than a person with two functioning alleles?

• A) Apoptosis is increased,as the tumor suppressors are not functioning.
• B) Cell growth is accelerated,as oncogenes are switched on.
• C) With the increase of BRCA protein,apoptosis is induced and cell death occurs.
• D) Mutations accumulate as DNA repair is slowed and cell growth may accelerate.
• E) Cells fail to enter apoptosis and eventually become a tumor.

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Definitions:

Penis

The external male genital organ involved in sexual intercourse and urination.

Glans

The sensitive bulbous structure at the distal end of the penis or clitoris.

Prepuce

The foreskin, a fold of skin covering the glans of the penis or clitoris; in males, it can be circumcised for health or cultural reasons.

Erectile Tissues

Spongy tissue that can fill with blood to enable erection in organs like the penis and clitoris.