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One mechanism by which viruses may cause cancer is to interrupt the genetic regulatory sequences of repressor proteins. Which of the following types of viruses is most likely to be involved in causing cancer by this mechanism?

a. retroviruses
b. -ssRNA
c. +ssRNA
d. dsRNA viruses
e. both +ssRNA and -ssRNA viruses

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option a)Retroviruses are the most likely viruses to cause cancer by interrupting repressor protein sequences, as they carry reverse transcriptase, which allows viral integration into the host genome.

Step-by-step explanation:

The types of viruses that are most likely to be involved in causing cancer by interrupting the genetic regulatory sequences of repressor proteins are Option A) retroviruses.

This is because retroviruses, which are +ssRNA viruses, have a unique mechanism in which they integrate into the host's genome. Retroviruses carry an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which allows them to synthesize a DNA copy of their RNA genome. This DNA can then integrate into the host's genetic material, potentially disrupting regulatory sequences and promoting uncontrolled cell growth, leading to cancer. An example of a retrovirus that can cause cancer is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can lead to T-cell leukemia among other diseases.

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