1. Mutations in the KRAS gene are frequently found in colon cancer. These mutati

Question

1. Mutations in the KRAS gene are frequently found in colon cancer. These mutations are always missense mutations, primarily in codons 12 or 61. Mutations in the APC gene are also associated with colon cancer. In this case, however, nonsense and frameshift mutations are frequent and are scattered throughout most of the coding region. From this information, answer the following questions and explain:

A) Is KRAS an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene?

B) Is APC an oncogene or a tumor-suppressor gene?

Explanation / Answer

(a) KRAS genes are oncogenes. They can undergo missense mutation and cause a cell to become cancerous.

(b) APC genes are tumour suppressor genes. APC genes help keep cells from uncontrolled cell growth. Because of non-sense or frameshift mutation, they lose their activity and fail to control tumour progression.

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