Oncology: tumour suppressor genes: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Surgery · Oncology: tumour suppressor genes

Sample item

Which gene, often called the guardian of the genome, is the most frequently mutated tumour suppressor gene in human cancers?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. TP53

TP53 encodes p53, which halts the cell cycle for DNA repair or induces apoptosis, and its loss lets damaged cells survive. RB1 controls the G1/S checkpoint. KRAS and MYC are oncogenes whose gain of function drives proliferation.

Option by option

  • A. TP53 (correct)

    Correct. TP53 mutations occur in about half of cancers.

  • B. MYC

    MYC is an oncogene.

  • C. KRAS

    KRAS is an oncogene.

  • D. RB1

    RB1 is a tumour suppressor but less frequently mutated.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is A, TP53. TP53 encodes p53, which halts the cell cycle for DNA repair or induces apoptosis, and its loss lets damaged cells survive.

Why is "MYC" not the answer?

MYC is an oncogene.

Why is "KRAS" not the answer?

KRAS is an oncogene.

Why is "RB1" not the answer?

RB1 is a tumour suppressor but less frequently mutated.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: tumour suppressor genes in General Surgery. RB1 controls the G1/S checkpoint. KRAS and MYC are oncogenes whose gain of function drives proliferation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oncology: tumour suppressor genes?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.