Question

The human gene EGFR located on chromosome 7 is a proto-oncogene that codes for a growth factor cell surface receptor. The binding of growth factors to this receptor can lead to cell proliferation. Hypothesize what potential impact a mutated EGFR allele will have on a cell. Give one possible impact and explain your answer.

Answer 1

The mutated EGFR allele leads to development of uncontrolled cell division.

Explanation:

The human gene EGFR is a proto-oncogene that codes for a growth factor cell surface receptor, the mutated proto-oncogene becomes oncogene when mutated, which causes uncontrolled cell proliferation.

A mutated EGFR gene causes the up-regulation of the growth factor receptors. This causes an abnormally high levels cell growth even when growth factors have not bound the receptor. It causes the epidermal cells to proliferate even without growth factor. This unregulated growth causes cancer such as adenocarcinoma.