In what way can cancer be hereditary?

• A. A person can inherit cancer cells from one of his/her parents.
• B. All of the mutations necessary for full cancer development can be inherited, giving a person a predisposition to developing cancer.
• C. Proto-oncogenes can be inherited, giving the person a predisposition to developing cancer.
• D. Tumor-suppressor genes can be inherited, giving the person a predisposition to developing cancer.
• E. One or two of several mutations necessary for full cancer development can be inherited, giving a person a predisposition to developing cancer.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that cancer is primarily caused by genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
2. Recognize that while cancer itself is not directly inherited, the genetic predisposition to develop cancer can be passed down from parents to offspring.
3. Identify that inheriting one or two mutations in specific genes can increase the likelihood of developing cancer, but additional mutations are usually required for full cancer development.
4. Learn about proto-oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, which are types of genes that, when mutated, can contribute to cancer. Proto-oncogenes can become oncogenes, promoting cell division, while tumor-suppressor genes normally inhibit cell division or cause cell death.
5. Conclude that inheriting mutations in these genes can predispose an individual to cancer, but it is the accumulation of multiple mutations over time that typically leads to cancer development.