A mutation that causes a gain of function in a tumor suppressor gene would not likely cause cancer because a tumor suppressor protein
A) normally promotes the cell cycle.
B) normally responds to growth factors.
C) activates a signal transduction pathway.
D) inactivates growth factors.
E) does not promote cell division.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tumor suppressor protein functions to prevent the development of cancer by inhibiting cell growth, promoting cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, and preventing the formation of tumors. Thus, a gain-of-function mutation in a tumor suppressor gene is unlikely to cause cancer because it would increase the tumor suppressor protein's activity, further inhibiting cell growth and reducing the likelihood of tumor development.

A Mutation That Causes a Gain of Function in a Tumor