AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Inherited versus acquired gene mutations This type of mutation is also called a germline mutation (because the cells that develop into eggs and sperm are called germ cells) or a hereditary mutation. It typically takes more than one gene mutation for a cell to become a cancer cell.

Detailed explanation-2: -If a person has an error in a DNA repair gene, mistakes remain uncorrected. Then, the mistakes become mutations. These mutations may eventually lead to cancer, particularly mutations in tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes. Mutations in DNA repair genes may be inherited or acquired.

Detailed explanation-3: -Cancer cells grow and divide at an abnormally rapid rate, are poorly differentiated, and have abnormal membranes, cytoskeletal proteins, and morphology.

Detailed explanation-4: -Occasionally, a mutation occurs in a cancer gene, leading to the disease. How does the environment and heredity play a role in cancer? Certain lifestyles or environmental exposures-smoking and obesity-also cause mutations in DNA.