Zombie gene' protects elephants from cancer

The video discusses the lower cancer rates in elephants compared to humans, despite elephants having more potentially cancerous cells. This is attributed to elephants having over 20 copies of the tumor suppressor gene P53, which prevents DNA damage from leading to cancer. A study from the University of Chicago found that P53 can activate an inactive pseudogene in elephants called LIF6, which helps destroy damaged cells by targeting mitochondria.

What percentage of people worldwide die from cancer?

• 5%

• 17%

• 25%

• 50%

How many copies of the tumor suppressor gene P53 do elephants have?

• 1

• 5

• Over 20

• 10

What is the primary function of the P53 gene in elephants?

• To prevent DNA damage from causing cancer

• To enhance immune response

• To repair damaged DNA

• To increase cell growth

What does the P53 gene activate in elephants when cell damage is detected?

• A new cell growth

• The Lift 6 gene

• An immune response

• A repair mechanism

What is the result of the Lift 6 gene activation in elephants?

• Cell mutation

• Cell repair

• Cell division

• Cell death