Biology / Unit 4 Bio 0899 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Tumor Suppressor Genes
Captions available
The idea
A tumor suppressor gene codes for a negative regulator; its mutation removes a block on division, contributing to cancer by loss of function.
In practice
A functioning p53 gene halts division when DNA is damaged; a mutated p53 can no longer stop that cell dividing.
Where people slip
A proto-oncogene causes cancer by gaining a harmful function; a tumor suppressor causes cancer by losing a protective one.
Your place on the trail
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