The gene that is activated on the Philadelphia chromosome codes for an intracellular tyrosine kinase. Review the discussion of cell cycle control in Concept 2.3 and explain how the activation of this gene could contribute to the development of cancer.

Cancer is the form of tumor that may result due to the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. The loss in the control of the cell cycle can lead to cancer conditions.

Cancer has the ability to metastasis from the primary site of formation to the other secondary sites. There are different types of cancer, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, lung cancer, etc. The condition of cancer is also known as carcinoma.

Tyrosine kinase is the enzyme that acts on cell growth and survival. This enzyme controls many important processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. It is an important enzyme in cell cycle regulation.

Philadelphia chromosome contains the gene that results in the activation of tyrosine kinase. The over activation of this enzyme can deregulate the cell cycle division.

The over-activation of this enzyme can lead to the multiplication of cells in an uncontrolled fashion. It, in turn, results in the accumulation of more cells than the normal level resulting in tumor formation.

Hence, the activation of the gene in the Philadelphia chromosome can result in cancer.