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Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 14, Problem C.2b

A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. Give an example from this chapter of a benign tumor that becomes a malignant tumor.

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Understand the definitions: A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body, while a malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade and metastasize.
Recall examples from the chapter where a benign tumor can progress to a malignant tumor, such as an adenoma (a benign tumor of glandular tissue) that can develop into an adenocarcinoma (a malignant tumor).
Identify the process of tumor progression, which involves genetic mutations and changes in cell behavior that allow the benign tumor cells to become invasive and malignant.
Consider specific examples like colon polyps (benign adenomas) that can transform into colorectal cancer (malignant adenocarcinoma) through accumulation of mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
Summarize by explaining that benign tumors like adenomas can become malignant tumors like adenocarcinomas through genetic changes that promote uncontrolled growth and invasiveness.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths of cells that grow slowly and do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They are usually encapsulated and less harmful but can sometimes cause problems depending on their size and location.
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Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors are cancerous growths characterized by uncontrolled cell division, invasion of surrounding tissues, and the potential to metastasize to distant organs. They pose serious health risks and require aggressive treatment.
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Tumor Progression from Benign to Malignant

Some benign tumors can accumulate genetic mutations over time that enable them to become malignant. This progression involves changes in cell behavior, such as loss of growth control and increased invasiveness, exemplified by adenomas transforming into carcinomas in certain tissues.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.

APC(familial adenomatous polyposis)

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Textbook Question

You conduct a study in which the transcriptional fusion of regulatory sequences of a particular gene with a reporter gene results in relatively uniform expression of the reporter gene in all cells of an organism. A translational fusion with the same gene shows reporter gene expression only in the nucleus of a specific cell type. Discuss some biological causes for the difference in expression patterns of the two transgenes.

Textbook Question

A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. What must happen for a benign tumor to become malignant?

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Textbook Question

A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. Describe the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor.

Textbook Question

Discuss the similarities and differences between forward and reverse genetic approaches, and when you would choose to utilize each of the approaches.

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Textbook Question

Go to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov), locate the search box at the top right corner of the homepage, and enter 'RUSP' to search for information on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. From the options that appear, select 'Brief History of Newborn Screening' and locate the discussion listing the criteria for adding a disease to the RUSP list. What are the criteria for listing a disease on the RUSP list?

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