Question

How does having a mutation affect the chances that an individual with a mutation might get cancer?

Answer 1

Answer

Mutation causes some abnormal changes in the gene. It will leads to change in the sequence of DNA base pairs. Base pairs sequence determines function of a gene. A single change in the base of the gene can cause a major effect. Because change in the sequence of base pairs will lead to change in the proteins structure and function. Mutation can increase, decrease or stop the protein production or non- functional proteins. Some mutation don't have much effects but some may cause cancer.

Before a cell becomes cancer cell , many mutation required. Mutation in the gene which are required for the cell division and growth. Example of these genes are tumor suppressor gene. Some normal genes like oncogenes may also become cancer causing by mutation.

Mutation are generally caused by environment, radiations, diet or cigarette smokes occurs every time in our cells. Or mutation may be inherited from parents carrying mutation. Generally mutations occurs every time in our cells. But when our cell detects any change, it will repairs the change. If the mutation can't be repaired, cell will get a signal and die with the help of a process known as apoptosis. If apoptosis will not occur cell will not die and mutation won't be repaired. This will leads to development of cancer. More chances of cancer development if the mutation occurs in genes which are involved in cell division or which helps in apoptosis. Because mutation in genes which involved in cell division will leads to uncontrolled division of cells leads to tumor formation. Also mutation can activate oncogenes and activated oncogenes may leads to survival and proliferation of cells which are designated for apoptosis.

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