Which of the following statements is not true for cancer cells in relation to mutations

Options

A. Mutations destroy telomerase inhibitor
B. Mutation inactivate the cell control
C. Mutations inhibit production of telomerase
D. Mutations in proto-oncogenes accelerate the cell cycle

Explanation

To determine which statement is not true for cancer cells in relation to mutations, we will analyze each of the provided statements step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Telomerase Function**:
- Telomerase is an enzyme that adds repetitive nucleotide sequences to the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), which helps maintain chromosome length during cell division. This is crucial for preventing chromosome shortening, which can lead to cell aging and death.

**Hint**: Recall the role of telomerase in maintaining chromosome integrity.

2. **Analyzing Statement 1**: "Mutations destroy telomerase inhibitors."
- This statement suggests that mutations can destroy inhibitors of telomerase, potentially leading to increased telomerase activity. This is true because cancer cells often have mutations that allow them to bypass normal regulatory mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled cell division.

**Hint**: Consider how mutations can affect regulatory proteins in cancer cells.

3. **Analyzing Statement 2**: "Mutations inactivate the cell control."
- This statement is true. Mutations can lead to the inactivation of cell cycle checkpoints, which normally regulate cell division and prevent uncontrolled growth. This loss of control is a hallmark of cancer.

**Hint**: Think about how checkpoints function in the cell cycle and their importance in preventing cancer.

4. **Analyzing Statement 3**: "Mutations inhibit the production of telomerase."
- This statement is not true for cancer cells. In fact, many cancer cells have mutations that lead to the activation or increased expression of telomerase, allowing them to maintain telomere length and avoid cell death. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

**Hint**: Reflect on the relationship between telomerase activity and cancer cell survival.

5. **Analyzing Statement 4**: "Mutations in proto-oncogenes accelerate the cell cycle."
- This statement is true. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that, when mutated, can become oncogenes, leading to increased cell proliferation and division. This is a common mechanism in cancer development.

**Hint**: Remember the difference between proto-oncogenes and oncogenes.

### Conclusion:
The statement that is not true for cancer cells in relation to mutations is **"mutations inhibit the production of telomerase."** This is the correct answer.