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In a certain cell line, a tumor-suppressor gene is translocated to a different location under the control of a strong promoter. Which of the following would be TRUE of this cell line compared to a cell line without this translocation?

A. It depends where the gene was translocated.

B. The cells will have an increase in angiogenesis.

C. The cells will be at a slightly increased risk of cancer.

D. The cells will show a lower amount of proliferation.

E. The cells will be at an increased risk of transitioning from benign to malignant.

User Aniello
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Final answer:

The translocation of a tumor-suppressor gene under a strong promoter could lead to altered expression, potentially reducing cell proliferation. However, the exact consequences depend on the gene's new genomic context and whether the change disrupts other regulatory mechanisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a certain cell line where a tumor-suppressor gene is translocated to a different location under the control of a strong promoter, the expression of this gene could be significantly altered. Tumor-suppressor genes function as the "brakes" of the cell, inhibiting cell division and proliferation to prevent uncontrolled cell growth and maintaining a balance with proto-oncogenes, which act as the "accelerator." When placed under the control of a strong promoter, the tumor-suppressor gene may become overexpressed, potentially leading to reduced cell proliferation due to its enhanced inhibitory function. However, the effect also depends on the gene's new genomic context and whether the translocation disrupts other regulatory mechanisms or gene functions.

Oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes are central to the regulation of the cell cycle and the prevention of cancer. A typical cancer cell requires the alteration of multiple genes, involving both the activation of oncogenes and the inactivation of tumor-suppressor genes. Therefore, it is conceivable that the translocation of a tumor-suppressor gene to an area under a strong promoter could either reduce risk due to enhanced suppression or possibly increase it if the translocation disrupts normal gene function or regulation. Ultimately, the specific outcome would depend on the complex interactions within the cell's regulatory networks and the nature of the translocation.

User Nogood
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