Question

Genetic testing for mutant oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes A. helps identify high-risk individuals before a tumor develops. B. aids the discovery of other mutations that lead to cancer. C. offers a definitive indication of which individuals will develop tumors. D. is not significantly useful as a healthcare practice.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. Helps identify high-risk individuals before a tumor develops.

Explanation:

Tumor suppressor genes are genes in cells that if working properly prevent tumors or cancer; this occurs because these genes regulate cell division, ADN repair, and programmed cell death. On the other hand, oncogenes regulate growth in cells, but similar to tumor suppressor genes, if they mutate or do not work properly they can lead to tumors or cancer.

This implies when doctors test the presence of either mutant oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, they can determine if the individual is predisposed to develop a tumor because if there are mutant oncogenes or abnormalities tumor suppressor genes the individual is at high-risk; although, this does not imply the individual will definitively develop cancer or tumors as this is also related to environmental factors. According to this, genetic testing of these genes helps identify high-risk individuals before a tumor develops.