Question

What types of chromosomal alterations can be observed in malignant cells?

A) Only translocations
B) Only deletions
C) Only gene amplifications
D) Translocations, deletions, and amplifications

Answer 1

Malignant cells can exhibit chromosomal alterations such as translocations, deletions, and gene amplifications that contribute to cancer progression.

Step-by-step explanation:

The types of chromosomal alterations observed in malignant cells include translocations, deletions, and gene amplifications. These changes can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development. Specific alterations include the Philadelphia chromosome, a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 in chronic myelogenous leukemia, which produces the BCR-abl fusion protein, an oncogenic tyrosine kinase. '

These alterations can have various consequences, such as aneuploid gametes, physical and mental abnormalities, and genetic imbalances that can be lethal to a diploid organism. Chromosome inversions and translocations can be observed during meiosis when cells contort to maintain gene alignment.