Chapter C, Problem 5P

C.5 In March $\text{2011}$ an earthquake measuring approximately $\text{9}\text{.0}$ on the Richter scale struck Fukushima, Japan. Several nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daichii nuclear plant were damaged, and nuclear core meltdown occurred. A massive release of radiation accompanied damage to the plant, and $\text{5}$ years later the incidence of thyroid cancer in children exposed to the radiation was determined to be well over $\text{100}$ times more frequent than expected without radiation exposure. DNA damage and mutations resulting from radiation exposure are suspected of causing this increased cancer rate.

What gene discussed in this chapter might be responsible for pausing the cell cycle of dividing cells long enough for radiation $\text{-}$ induced damage to be repaired in cells?

Do you think it is possible that significant increases in the incidence of other types of cancer will occur in the future among people who were exposed to the Fukushima radiation? Why?