High School

Which of the following is the best analogy for describing a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene?

A. A car with a broken radio.
B. A car with a flat tire.
C. A car going downhill with no brakes to stop it.
D. A car with a hole in its radiator.
E. A car in which the transmission will not engage.

Answer :

The best analogy for describing a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene is: C) A car going down hill with no brakes to stop it.

Here's why the other options are less ideal:

• A car with a broken radio: This doesn't affect the car's core functionality, unlike a tumor suppressor gene which is crucial for regulating cell growth.

• A car with a flat tire: This hinders movement but doesn't cause uncontrolled growth like a tumor.

• A car with a hole in its radiator: This can damage the engine, but it doesn't directly relate to uncontrolled cell division.

• A car in which the transmission will not engage: This limits movement but doesn't represent the unchecked growth seen in tumors.

Similar to a car needing brakes to control its descent, tumor suppressor genes normally act as a brake on cell growth. When mutated, they lose this ability, leading to uncontrolled cell division like a runaway car downhill.

The correct question is shown below :

Which of the following is the best analogy for describing a mutation in a tumor suppressor gene?

A. A car with a broken radio.

B. A car with a flat tire.

C. A car going down hill with no brakes to stop it.

D. A car with a hole in its radiator.

E. A car in which the transmission will not engage