Final answer:
The statement that tumor suppressor genes require mutations in both alleles to contribute to cancer, known as the "Two-Hit Model," is TRUE. Tumor suppressor genes serve as cellular brakes, and both need to be compromised to lose control over cell growth, which can lead to cancer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of tumor suppressor genes, such as p53, operating on a "Two-Hit Model" is indeed TRUE. For these genes to contribute to cancer development, both alleles must generally be mutated within the same cell. This is in contrast to oncogenes, which may lead to oncogenic transformation with just one mutated gene copy. Tumor suppressor genes normally function to inhibit cell division and promote accurate DNA repair.
This process is often described using the analogy of a car without brakes; it can no longer be slowed or stopped, leading to the potential for a 'crash' or, in cellular terms, cancer. It is essential to understand that while some tumor suppressor genes can exhibit a dominant negative effect where a single allele mutation can lead to dysfunction, the traditional view of the "Two-Hit Model" applies in most cases.