Question

These two animations illustrate how p53 binds to dna to regulate transcription, leading to apoptosis of cells and inhibition of cancer cell growth. several structural regions of p53 contribute to the anti-tumor function. why is loop 2 important for p53 function?

choose one:
a. loop 2 directly binds to dna.
b. loop 2 mediates binding to other transcription factors that help regulate the anti-tumor function of p53.
c. loop 2 helps position a critical arginine for binding dna.
d. loop 2 helps coordinate a ca2 ion in the ca2 finger.

Answer 1

Loop 2 in p53 is important because it positions a critical arginine required for DNA binding, enabling p53 to regulate cell cycle and apoptosis effectively, crucial for its anti-tumor function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The importance of loop 2 in p53 function pertains to its role in the transcription factor's ability to regulate transcription, contributing to apoptosis and inhibition of cancer cell growth. Specifically, loop 2 is crucial because it helps position a critical arginine for DNA binding.

This positioning is necessary for p53 to properly bind to DNA and perform its function as the guardian of the genome. Without this interaction, p53 would not be able to effectively halt cell cycle progression to conduct DNA repair, or, failing that, to initiate apoptosis, thereby preventing the proliferation of cells with damaged DNA and inhibiting potential tumorigenic activity.