Please explain why an individual who inherits both BRCA1 and BRCA2 breast cancer genes does not have a 100\% chance of inheriting breast cancer.
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Step 1: While inheriting BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer, it does not guarantee it. Show more…
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Adi S.
Explain why people who inherit one mutated allele of the BRCA1 gene have a higher likelihood of developing cancer.
Although most cases of cancer are sporadic, certain inherited alleles can increase an individuals lifetime risk. One example of this are certain alleles of the BRCA gene that occur in families with a history of breast cancer. Answer the following questions. In your answer please use numbering to indicate you answers to each question 1. Affected individuals are typically heterozygous for the risk allele, which is considered to be inherited in a dominant pattern. Use basic language to describe what this means (2 marks) 2. The BRCA gene encodes a protein that repairs DNA damage. The risk allele encodes a non-functional version of that protein. Is the mutation best described as affecting a tumour suppressor gene or a proto-oncogene and why? (2 marks) 3. Not all carriers of the risk allele develop cancer, but individuals with a family history of cancer have a greater risk. Is this observation best described in terms of penetrance or expressivity and why do differences in family history mean that individuals with the same BRCA genotype can have different risk? (2 marks)
Sri K.
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