Surveillance genes are responsible for detecting changes in the cell environment and for regulating the cell's response to those changes. There are many synonyms for surveillance genes, including monitoring genes, detection genes, sensing genes, and regulatory genes. These genes are vital for the proper functioning of the cell and for maintaining the overall health of the organism. Without surveillance genes, the cell would not be able to detect and respond to changes in its environment and could be at risk for disease or other negative outcomes. This underscores the importance of understanding the role and function of surveillance genes in cellular biology.