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shitivseen t1_j4zrnbl wrote

Reply to comment by anon525as in Given that reproduction is difficult or impossible when both animals have different numbers of chromosomes, how did so many species evolve to have so many different numbers of them? by MercurioLeCher

To clarify: The vast majority of genetic mutations do not cause cancer. Only when the mutation alters the function of tumor suppressor or pro-oncogenic genes the risk of cancer increases. Additionally there are pathways cells can utilize to prevent cancer development even if a single one mutates. A rule of thumb is that six of these specific genes need to be mutated to actually cause cancer (this can vary of course).

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