Chapter 11 bio hw questions

A(n) _____is a protein that promotes cell division. In excess, such a protein may lead to cancer.

growth factor

Non-coding DNA sequences are referred to as ________.

introns

Enzyme complexes that break down protein are called _____.

proteasomes

What kinds of somatic cell gene mutations can frequently lead to the first stages of cancer?

mutations in genes that regulate cell division

Which of the following would be most likely to lead to cancer?

mutations in proto-oncogenes and inactivation of a tumor-suppressor gene

All your cells contain proto-oncogenes, which can change into cancer-causing genes. Why do cells possess such potential time bombs?

Proto-oncogenes are necessary for normal control of cell division.

What is the function of a spliceosome?

RNA processing

What would enable a single RNA transcript to be translated into different polypeptides?

The RNA transcript can be spliced more than one way.

Many proto-oncogenes regulate ________.

cell division

A gene that causes a cell to become cancerous is called a(n)

oncogene

What name is given to a gene that causes cancer?

oncogene

Tumor-suppressor genes are important in the prevention of cancer because they __________.

produce gene products that prevent uncontrolled cell growth

Protein-phosphorylating enzymes' role in the regulation of gene expression involves _____.

protein activation

A normal gene that, if mutated, can lead to cancer is called a(n)

proto-oncogene

The nuclear membrane's role in the regulation of gene expression involves _____.

regulating the transport of mRNA to the cytoplasm

When referring to cell division, oncogenes are most like ________ while tumor suppressor genes are most like ________.

the gas pedal on a car; the brakes on a car

A(n)____ is a gene that encodes proteins that inhibit cell division. Such proteins normally help prevent cells from becoming cancerous.

tumor-suppressor gene

A DNA microarray is used to __________.

visualize patterns of gene expression