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Multiple Choice
What gene has been called the "guardian angel of the genome"?
A
The p21 gene
B
The BRCA1 gene
C
The ras gene
D
The myoD gene
E
The p53 gene
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the role of the p53 gene in the human body. The p53 gene is crucial for regulating the cell cycle and acts as a tumor suppressor, preventing cancer formation.
Recognize that the p53 gene is often referred to as the 'guardian of the genome' because it helps maintain genomic stability by preventing mutations.
Learn about how the p53 gene functions. It can activate DNA repair proteins when DNA has sustained damage, and it can also initiate apoptosis if the DNA damage is irreparable.
Understand the significance of the p53 gene in cancer biology. Mutations in the p53 gene are found in many types of cancer, highlighting its importance in protecting against cancerous growth.
Compare the p53 gene with other genes mentioned in the problem, such as BRCA1, ras, and myoD, to understand why p53 is uniquely referred to as the 'guardian angel of the genome'.