ASSIGNMENT:
Do 10th blog in GENOME
In Chapter 17, Matt Ridley introduces cancer cells. Chromosome 17 short arm has the gene TP53, which is for preventing rogue cancer cells, and is classified as a tumor-preventing gene. These genes are the opposite of oncogenes, which are genes that encourage cell growth. The one interesting fact that i found about it was that people have two copies of this chromosome. It also represents between 2.5 and 3% of the total DNA in Cells. Cancer cells have unique features that make them "immortal". The enzyme telomerase is used to extend the cancer cell's life span. This is a major reason that can cancer cells can accumulate over time creating tumors. The protein that TP53 produces called p53, which acts as a police officer in cells that
begin to duplicate themselves by either halting cell
division or by instructing the cell to commit suicide by a process
called apoptosis. It is still awaiting confirmation to be classified as a cancer drug. This is very important because cancer cells form new tumors that damage organs. People are surviving cancer now, but their is no official cure for it.
