Final answer:
miR-15a and miR-16 miRNAs can be thought of as tumor suppressors because they inhibit tumorigenesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The miR-15a and miR-16 miRNAs can be thought of as tumor suppressors because they act to inhibit tumorigenesis. miRNAs are small RNA molecules that control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In the context of cancer, overexpression of certain miRNAs can lead to malignant phenotypes, while downregulation or loss of function of tumor suppressor miRNAs like miR-15a and miR-16 can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.