Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 20 - Cell Communities: Tissues, Stem Cells, and Cancer - Questions - Page 726: Question 20-19

Answer

No.

Work Step by Step

While there are some forms of cancer that are hereditary, they are very few. One, for example, is a mutation that takes out a tumor suppressing gene, APC. With only one copy of this gene, the chances of having a tumor increase. This can be inherited and carry over to the next generation, though it is rare and for the most part. Some genetic tendencies can also be inherited, such as those that lead to breast cancer, but these specific genes aren't exactly clear. While these are examples, cancer is primarily not passed to the next generation because it arises from mutations in new somatic cells, not inherited germ cells.
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