What gene has been called the "guardian angel of the genome"?

• A. The p21 gene
• B. The BRCA1 gene
• C. The ras gene
• D. The myoD gene
• E. The p53 gene

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the role of the p53 gene in cellular biology. The p53 gene is crucial for regulating the cell cycle and acts as a tumor suppressor, preventing cancer formation.
2. Recognize that the p53 gene is often referred to as the 'guardian of the genome' because it helps maintain genomic stability by preventing mutations.
3. Learn about how the p53 protein, encoded by the p53 gene, can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cells that have sustained DNA damage, thereby preventing the propagation of potentially cancerous cells.
4. Understand the mechanisms by which p53 can halt the cell cycle to allow for DNA repair or trigger apoptosis if the damage is irreparable.
5. Explore the implications of p53 gene mutations, which are found in many types of cancer, highlighting its critical role in protecting the genome from oncogenic transformations.