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- Sep 5, 2010
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So I just did a quick RC test practice and this one question is bugging me because I feel like I am still right because of the choice of words the question ask...
Question:
A cell usually becomes malignant
a) after 5 to 10 mutations
b) after a single mutation
c) after a DNA replication
d) after a cell division
e) None of the above
Paragraph(3) where answer comes from:
Cancer is primarily a genetic disease. Most cancers result from mutations in somatic DNA, although some forms are inherited through the germline DNA from the parents. No matter what their origin, all these mutations are caused by errors in DNA replication either by chance or promoted by exposure to carcinogens. In most cancers, a single mutation is no sufficient to cause a normal cell to turn into a cancer cell, a process called malignant transformation. Other gene products may compensate for the mutation, allowing the cell to continue to grow normally. However, mutation of multiple genes and their protein products potentially removes the checks and balances that normally control cell growth and proliferation. Generally, cells must acquire 5 to 10 mutations in crucial genes in order to become malignant.
So the answer is E and it explains:
A cell becomes malignant when the DNA accumulates enough mutations for the cell to acquire the ability to grow unchecked and metastasize. None of the choices A through D captures the essence of this definition. In particular, choice A is incorrect because 5 to 10 mutations by themselves may not be enough; they have to occur in crucial genes (e.g. oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes), as indicated by the last sentence of paragraph 3.
I chose A because I completely agree that their is no exact number as to how many mutations that are needed in order for it to be malignant but the question still reads
A cell "USUALLY" becomes malignant....
And the answer I see it from the paragraph is "GENERALLY, cells must acquire 5 to 10 mutations in crucial genes in order to become malignant".
Am I over thinking the question?
I agree with what the explanation states but the wording of the question... I don't know...
I just want to hear some thoughts from you guys. Thanks
Question:
A cell usually becomes malignant
a) after 5 to 10 mutations
b) after a single mutation
c) after a DNA replication
d) after a cell division
e) None of the above
Paragraph(3) where answer comes from:
Cancer is primarily a genetic disease. Most cancers result from mutations in somatic DNA, although some forms are inherited through the germline DNA from the parents. No matter what their origin, all these mutations are caused by errors in DNA replication either by chance or promoted by exposure to carcinogens. In most cancers, a single mutation is no sufficient to cause a normal cell to turn into a cancer cell, a process called malignant transformation. Other gene products may compensate for the mutation, allowing the cell to continue to grow normally. However, mutation of multiple genes and their protein products potentially removes the checks and balances that normally control cell growth and proliferation. Generally, cells must acquire 5 to 10 mutations in crucial genes in order to become malignant.
So the answer is E and it explains:
A cell becomes malignant when the DNA accumulates enough mutations for the cell to acquire the ability to grow unchecked and metastasize. None of the choices A through D captures the essence of this definition. In particular, choice A is incorrect because 5 to 10 mutations by themselves may not be enough; they have to occur in crucial genes (e.g. oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, DNA repair genes), as indicated by the last sentence of paragraph 3.
I chose A because I completely agree that their is no exact number as to how many mutations that are needed in order for it to be malignant but the question still reads
A cell "USUALLY" becomes malignant....
And the answer I see it from the paragraph is "GENERALLY, cells must acquire 5 to 10 mutations in crucial genes in order to become malignant".
Am I over thinking the question?
I agree with what the explanation states but the wording of the question... I don't know...
I just want to hear some thoughts from you guys. Thanks
