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Question #46549
The Question
Metastasis is the most feared property of malignant tumors. When a few malignant cells escape a primary tumor and establish a secondary tumor in a new niche, the process closely mirrors evolutionary population dynamics. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the genetic and evolutionary progression of this metastatic event?
Options
- A.
The dissemination of a small number of cancer cells to a distant organ represents the Founder effect, causing allele frequency drift.
- B.
The metastatic event acts as a genetic bottleneck, initially resulting in a secondary tumor with higher genetic diversity than the primary tumor.
- C.
The administration of chemotherapeutic agents acts as a strong selective pressure, driving directional selection for resistant clonal variants.
- D.
Due to acquired genetic divergence and clonal selection, the secondary tumor often becomes refractory to the initial therapeutic regimens.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Genetic_Diversity|Tumor_Heterogeneity|Fitness
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often associate cancer exclusively with rapid mutation and high genetic chaos.
While tumors do accumulate mutations over time, the immediate physical act of metastasis acts as a strict 'Genetic Bottleneck'.
Failing to recognize that a bottleneck inherently reduces initial genetic diversity (heterozygosity) leads to missing the trap in Option B.
This question synthesizes NCERT Chapter 8 (Human Health - Cancer) with Chapter 7 (Evolution - Genetic Drift/Founder Effect).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | Metastasis |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |