Tumor suppressor genes
A)are frequently overexpressed in cancerous cells.
B)are cancer-causing genes introduced into cells by viruses.
C)can encode proteins that promote DNA repair or cell-cell adhesion.
D)often encode proteins that stimulate the cell cycle.
E)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tumor suppressor genes encode proteins that exert a negative control on cell proliferation, either by inhibiting the cell cycle or promoting apoptosis. They can encode proteins that promote DNA repair or cell-cell adhesion, or act as transcription factors that activate the expression of genes involved in the regulation of the cell cycle or DNA repair. They are not overexpressed in cancerous cells, as their loss of function is associated with the development of cancer. They are not cancer-causing genes introduced by viruses, which are called oncogenes. They do not stimulate the cell cycle, but rather inhibit it.

Tumor Suppressor Genes