Question

A mouse has a mutation that causes a receptor in the cell membrane that stimulates growth all the time, even in the absence of the growth factor that is needed for growth in wild-type mice. This type of mutation can be called a(n) _______________ mutation.

Answer 1

The mutation that causes a receptor in the cell membrane to continuously stimulate growth is called an oncogene mutation. Multiple mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are required for cancerous transformation. Continuous growth stimulation can lead to uncontrolled cell division and tumor formation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The mutation that causes a receptor in the cell membrane to continuously stimulate growth, even in the absence of the growth factor, is called an oncogene mutation. Oncogenes are genes that normally promote cell growth but can cause cancer when mutated. In this case, the mutation leads to continuous cell signaling, overriding the normal growth regulation.

Typically, multiple mutations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are required for a normal cell to transform into a cancer cell. The effects of a mutation in one proto-oncogene or tumor suppressor gene would be masked by the control mechanisms in place. However, when enough proto-oncogenes become oncogenes and enough tumor suppressor genes are deactivated, cancerous transformation can occur.

The continuous stimulation of growth in cells with this mutation can lead to uncontrolled cell division, tumor formation, and eventually metastasis, the spreading of cancer cells to other parts of the body.