Question

Mutant forms of tumor-suppressor genes act _____; both copies of the gene must be _______ before their protective function is lost.

Answer 1

Tumor suppressor genes act recessively; both copies of the gene must be mutated before their protective function is lost.

Step-by-step explanation:

Tumor suppressor genes are genes that inhibit cell division, survival, or other properties of cancer cells. Mutant forms of tumor suppressor genes act recessively, meaning that both copies of the gene must be mutated before their protective function is lost. These mutations can result in a loss-of-function or dominant-negative effect, preventing the tumor suppressor gene from properly inhibiting cell growth and leading to the development of cancer.