One of the strongest genetic linkages with lung cancer is an allele (version) of a gene...

One of the strongest genetic linkages with lung cancer is an allele (version) of a gene that produces a protein that binds to nicotine. Why might variation in this gene be associated with increased risk for lung cancer?

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Expert Solution

Nicotine is an addictive substance that is found mainly in cigarette smoke. By itself, nicotine does not cause cancer. It simply excites the nervous system, and the person craves for even higher consumption of nicotine. Since cigarettes are one of the common sources of nicotine, people usually would resort to smoking cigarettes in order to fulfill their nicotine cravings.

The tar and other chemicals in cigarette smoke are responsible for cancer. These chemicals affect and damage DNA, including key genes that protect against cancer. Cigarette chemicals include benzene, polonium-210, benzo(a)pyrene and nitrosamines, which are known to damage DNA.

Since the allele is responsible for binding nicotine, it ensures that nicotine stays in the body for a longer amount of time and cannot be excreted or metabolized easily by the body. This means that the nicotine might not be available to the CNS as easily as before. Therefore, in order to increase the concentration of free nicotine in the system, the person would tend to smoke higher number of cigarettes. This would ultimately damage the system, and increase the chances of cancer.

gladiator answered 1 year ago

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