Which of the following would be most likely to lead to cancer?

• A. A mutation that enhances apoptosis in damaged cells
• B. A mutation that inactivates a tumor suppressor gene
• C. A mutation that decreases cell division in somatic cells
• D. A mutation that increases the efficiency of DNA repair enzymes

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of tumor suppressor genes: Tumor suppressor genes are responsible for regulating cell division, repairing DNA damage, and initiating apoptosis (programmed cell death) in damaged cells. When these genes are inactivated by mutations, cells can divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.
2. Analyze the first option: A mutation that enhances apoptosis in damaged cells would actually reduce the likelihood of cancer because it ensures that damaged cells are eliminated before they can proliferate.
3. Analyze the second option: A mutation that inactivates a tumor suppressor gene removes the cell's ability to regulate growth and repair DNA damage, which can lead to uncontrolled cell division and cancer. This is a key mechanism in cancer development.
4. Analyze the third option: A mutation that decreases cell division in somatic cells would reduce the likelihood of cancer because it slows down the proliferation of cells, including potentially cancerous ones.
5. Analyze the fourth option: A mutation that increases the efficiency of DNA repair enzymes would decrease the likelihood of cancer because it helps maintain genomic stability by repairing DNA damage more effectively.