Tumor suppressor genes are very important for protecting our cells from cancer. They help control how cells grow and keep our DNA stable. Think of them as the body's built-in security system that stops cells from growing out of control.
Control Cell Growth: Tumor suppressor genes are like checkpoints during the cell cycle, which is the process cells go through to divide and grow. For example, the p53 gene checks for DNA damage. If it finds any, it can stop the cell cycle to give the cell time to fix the damage. If the damage is too serious, p53 can trigger a process called apoptosis, which is like telling the cell to self-destruct.
Fixing DNA Damage: These genes also help repair broken DNA. Two important genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, help fix serious problems in DNA, like when it breaks in two. If these genes don’t work properly, it can lead to a higher chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer.
Stopping Overgrowth of Cells: Proteins made by tumor suppressor genes, like retinoblastoma protein (Rb), help stop cells from dividing too much. They control other proteins that promote cell growth, keeping everything balanced.
In conclusion, tumor suppressor genes are like brakes for cell growth, helping to repair DNA and stopping tumors from forming. They are crucial for preventing cancer.
Tumor suppressor genes are very important for protecting our cells from cancer. They help control how cells grow and keep our DNA stable. Think of them as the body's built-in security system that stops cells from growing out of control.
Control Cell Growth: Tumor suppressor genes are like checkpoints during the cell cycle, which is the process cells go through to divide and grow. For example, the p53 gene checks for DNA damage. If it finds any, it can stop the cell cycle to give the cell time to fix the damage. If the damage is too serious, p53 can trigger a process called apoptosis, which is like telling the cell to self-destruct.
Fixing DNA Damage: These genes also help repair broken DNA. Two important genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, help fix serious problems in DNA, like when it breaks in two. If these genes don’t work properly, it can lead to a higher chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer.
Stopping Overgrowth of Cells: Proteins made by tumor suppressor genes, like retinoblastoma protein (Rb), help stop cells from dividing too much. They control other proteins that promote cell growth, keeping everything balanced.
In conclusion, tumor suppressor genes are like brakes for cell growth, helping to repair DNA and stopping tumors from forming. They are crucial for preventing cancer.