EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -The most commonly mutated gene in people with cancer is p53 or TP53. More than 50% of cancers involve a missing or damaged p53 gene. Most p53 gene mutations are acquired. Germline p53 mutations are rare, but patients who carry them are at a higher risk of developing many different types of cancer.

Detailed explanation-2: -Cancer is the result of unchecked cell division caused by a breakdown of the mechanisms regulating the cell cycle. The loss of control begins with a change in the DNA sequence of a gene that codes for one of the regulatory molecules. Faulty instructions lead to a protein that does not function as it should.

Detailed explanation-3: -The conversion of a proto-oncogene to an oncogene is called activation. Proto-oncogenes can become activated by a variety of genetic mechanisms including transduction, insertional mutagenesis, amplification, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations.

Detailed explanation-4: -DNA changes that inactivate tumor suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer.

Detailed explanation-5: -Overexpression of growth factors or a lack of suppressor proteins can lead to rapid uncontrolled cell division. As cells proliferate without regulation, tumors occur that can become deadly if not treated.