suppressor gene
1
5.6
- noun
- /səˈprɛsər dʒin/
- Specialized
:
gen supresor
- When functioning correctly, a suppressor gene can significantly inhibit the development of cancer.
- tumor suppressor gene
Examples
-
Deregulation of this histone modification can lead to epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes, thus leading to tumorigenesis.
Academic text (2017) -
All of these tumor suppressor genes exist within the mouse genome as well.
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The first clue to the mechanism of endogenous circRNA generation emerged from studies of the transcripts of the tumor suppressor gene DCC.
Academic text (2017) -
Oncogenes such as the ras nuclear oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene have also been studied in soft tissue sarcomas, although none has been approved for diagnostic use.
Academic text (2001) -
Tumor suppressor gene play a crucial role in preventing uncontrolled cell growth.
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Research has shown that mutations in the suppressor gene can lead to an increased risk of tumors.
Synonyms
4
8.8
A gene that reduces the effects of another gene, often a harmful change
1
9.0
A substance, gene, or protein that attaches to DNA to stop a gene from working
A gene that stops another gene from showing its effect
A gene that stops or reduces another gene from working
A gene that hides the effect of another gene so a trait does not appear
A gene that makes a protein that stops other genes from turning on
Part of DNA that makes a chemical to stop other genes from working
Antonyms
- Specialized
1
6.3
A substance that increases enzyme activity or makes genes produce more protein
How Strong
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a straightforward noun–noun compound: 'suppressor' (one that suppresses) modifies 'gene', so the sense 'a gene that inhibits or reduces the expression of another gene' is directly derivable from the parts. Although the term is technical, the composition follows regular English patterns and has clear equivalents in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
Suppressor gene gives a clear image: think of a tiny guard or brake inside a cell—suppressor means to hold back and gene means a small instruction. That's why a suppressor gene 'stops' or 'reduces' another gene's harmful effects, so if it is lost harmful growth can happen.