The manufacturers of a dandruff shampoo wish to add a new in

The manufacturers of a dandruff shampoo wish to add a new ingredient to make the shampoo more effective for treating itchy scalps. They ask the FDA to approve the use of this ingredient, called xyctac, in shampoo. The FDA needs to verify that xyctac isn\'t a carcinogen. Given this information, which of the following questions is the FDA most likely to ask before giving approval?

A. Does xyctac reduce the itchiness of the scalp in people with dandruff?

B. Does xyctac contain DNA?

C. Does xyctac contain tumor suppressor genes?

D. Does xyctac occur in nature?

E. Does xyctac cause mutations in DNA?

Solution

Answer: For approving this new ingredient in the shampoo, FDA would most likely ask before approval;

(E) Does xyctac cause mutations in DNA?

Explanation: Cancer is caused by mutations or changes in the DNA. The mutated DNA leads to error in mRNA production. A mutation may transform a proto-oncogenes to oncogenes, which can further divide in an uncontrolled manner to produce tumors. With this logic, even the mutations in the tumor supressor genes may lead to cancers. These mutations may be spontaneous in nature or may be induced because of certain compounds (carcinogenic compounds). In the given case, FDA would probably like to check if the new ingredient which is being added to the shampoo is a potent carcinogen. In such a case, this compound may lead to mutations in DNA, resulting in cancers.