Chapter 25, Problem 3TC

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The reason that only the risk of cancer is inherited.

Introduction:

The cells grow and divide uncontrollably in a person having cancer. This out of control growth of the cells in the affected person’s body is a result of the changes in the genes of these cells. This abnormal change in genes is known as mutation. These mutations can affect the function of the affected cells. These genetic mutations can either be acquired or inherited. The inherited genetic mutations are present in the sperm cell or the egg. After fertilization, multiplication of these cells occurs, and the mutation is passed in every cell formed and hence, to the next generation.