SUPPRESSOR GENE Meaning and
Definition
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A suppressor gene, also known as a tumor suppressor gene or an anti-oncogene, is a type of gene involved in regulating cell growth and preventing the formation of cancerous tumors. These genes encode proteins that act as gatekeepers for cell cycle progression and inhibit the proliferation of abnormal or damaged cells within the body.
The main function of suppressor genes is to control cell division, repair DNA damage, promote cell differentiation, and induce programmed cell death (apoptosis). They essentially act as brakes to prevent uncontrolled cell growth and maintain the integrity and stability of the genome. When a suppressor gene becomes mutated or inactive, it can lose its ability to regulate cell growth effectively, leading to unrestricted cell proliferation and ultimately predisposing an individual to the development of cancer.
Suppressor genes can be classified into two main categories: caretaker genes and gatekeeper genes. Caretaker genes are responsible for maintaining genomic stability by repairing DNA damage, while gatekeeper genes directly control cell cycle progression and inhibit the growth of potentially cancerous cells.
Understanding the function and regulation of suppressor genes is crucial in cancer research and treatment. Mutations in suppressor genes are frequently observed in various types of cancer, and the inactivation of these genes can be a critical step in the initiation or progression of the disease. By studying and targeting suppressor genes, researchers hope to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Common Misspellings for SUPPRESSOR GENE
- auppressor gene
- zuppressor gene
- xuppressor gene
- duppressor gene
- euppressor gene
- wuppressor gene
- syppressor gene
- shppressor gene
- sjppressor gene
- sippressor gene
- s8ppressor gene
- s7ppressor gene
- suopressor gene
- sulpressor gene
- su-pressor gene
- su0pressor gene
- suporessor gene
- suplressor gene
- sup-ressor gene
Etymology of SUPPRESSOR GENE
The term "suppressor gene" is a compound word consisting of two parts: "suppressor" and "gene".
- "Suppressor" originates from the verb "suppress", which dates back to the late 14th century. It comes from the Latin word "suppressus", the past participle of "supprimere", meaning "to press down, stop, stifle, or restrain". It is a combination of the prefix "sub-" (meaning "under" or "below") and the verb "premere" (meaning "to press"). Thus, "suppress" denotes the action of inhibiting, subduing, or restraining something.
- "Gene" is derived from the Greek word "genos", meaning "race" or "offspring". It was introduced in the field of genetics by Danish botanist and geneticist Wilhelm Johannsen in the early 20th century.
Similar spelling words for SUPPRESSOR GENE
