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Name: George W McKenzie
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Question:
How did the gene for a particular type of cancer enter the gene pool?


Replies:
Most cancer genes seem to be "good" genes useful in earlier stages of human development - that is, these genes are involved in growth and development in embryos. The problem comes when those genes turn on at other times and cause cells to divide when they shouldn't. In other cases, there are mutations or infections with viruses that affect control of those growth genes, turning them on after they should be off.

Ellen


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