The BRCA-1 genes in humans encode proteins that have role in maintaining DNA stability. Mutation in this gene results in formation of non-functional protein, which is not able to repair damaged DNA, resulting in a significantly increased risk of breast cancer. BRCA-1 is a/an: Group of answer choices Proto-oncogene Homeotic gene Oncogene Tumor suppressor gene

tumor suppressor gene

Explanation:

A tumor suppressor gene is capable of modulating cellular processes during cell division and/or replication, thereby avoiding uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor development. For example, the p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene that encodes a protein (p53) which is well known to regulate critical cellular processes such as, for example, cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Moreover, breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes that regulate the repair of damaged DNA through the Homologous recombination (HR) pathway. In consequence, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.