Why is BRCA-1 mutation a dominant mutation?
The BRCA-1 gene mutation is considered dominant because it only requires one copy of the mutated gene to be present in order to cause an increased risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. In other words, if an individual inherits a copy of the BRCA-1 gene with the mutation from either parent, they have an increased risk of developing cancer compared to individuals who do not have this mutation.
Dominance and recessiveness are terms used to describe how genetic traits are expressed. In the case of dominant mutations, the presence of even one copy of the mutated gene is enough to override the effect of the normal gene. In this context, the normal gene is referred to as the wild-type gene.
BRCA-1 mutation is dominant because it produces a functional change in the protein coded by the gene. The BRCA-1 gene is involved in the repair of damaged DNA, preventing the accumulation of mutations that could lead to cancer. However, when a mutation occurs in the BRCA-1 gene, it impairs the ability of the protein to perform its repair function, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
This mutated gene can interfere with the normal copy of the gene, resulting in a dominant effect.
It’s important to note that while BRCA-1 mutation is dominant, not everyone who carries the mutation will necessarily develop cancer.
The presence of the mutation increases the likelihood of developing cancer, but other factors such as environmental influences, lifestyle choices, and other genetic variations (modifiers) can also contribute to individual variation in cancer risk.
Genetic counseling and testing are typically recommended for individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer to assess their risk and provide personalized recommendations for surveillance, prevention, or treatment options.
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