Multiple choice

Formation of a retinoblastoma eye tumor requires

  1. a germinal mutation in one RB allele, then a somatic mutation in the other allele

  2. a somatic mutation that turns on the RB gene

  3. a germinal mutation in one RB allele

  4. a germinal mutation in the dominant RB allele
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A Correct answer
Explanation

Retinoblastoma follows Knudson's two-hit hypothesis, where both copies of the RB tumor suppressor gene must be inactivated for tumor development. A germinal (inherited) mutation in one allele predisposes cells, and a subsequent somatic mutation in the remaining allele leads to complete loss of tumor suppression, allowing uncontrolled cell growth.

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