Which is the name of the tumor-suppressor gene that causes retinoblastoma? a. \(p 21\) b. \(R B\) c. \(r a s\) d. \(T G F-b\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The name of the tumor-suppressor gene that causes retinoblastoma is \(RB\) (option B).

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to retinoblastoma and tumor-suppressor genes

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that usually affects young children. It occurs when a mutated gene causes uncontrolled cell growth in the retina. Tumor-suppressor genes are normal genes that play a role in regulating cell cycle and growth. When these genes become mutated or otherwise inactivated, it may lead to the development of cancer.
02

Option A: p21

The p21 gene regulates cell cycle progression by inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases, which are enzymes responsible for advancing the cell through the different stages of the cell cycle. Mutations in the p21 gene can contribute to cancer development; however, it is not the specific gene associated with retinoblastoma.
03

Option B: RB

The RB gene, also known as the retinoblastoma gene or RB1, is a tumor-suppressor gene that plays a crucial role in regulating the cell cycle. When this gene is mutated or lost, it can result in uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to the development of a retinoblastoma tumor. Therefore, the answer to the question is option B, RB.
04

Option C: ras

The ras gene is an oncogene, which is the opposite of a tumor-suppressor gene. Oncogenes are normal genes that, when mutated or overexpressed, can contribute to the development of cancer by promoting cell growth and division. Unlike tumor-suppressor genes, oncogenes are not involved in regulating the cell cycle. The ras gene is not associated with retinoblastoma.
05

Option D: TGF-b

TGF-b (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) is a protein that plays a role in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). TGF-b has both tumor-suppressor and oncogenic functions, depending on the cellular context. However, it is not the specific gene associated with retinoblastoma.
06

Answer:

The name of the tumor-suppressor gene that causes retinoblastoma is RB (option B).

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free