Question

What is a proto-oncogene?

Options

• A mutated gene found only in cancer patients

• A normal cellular gene involved in growth and development that can become an oncogene upon mutation or activation

• A gene that always causes cancer when present in cells

• A viral gene that transforms normal cells into cancerous cells

Answer 1

A proto-oncogene is a normal cellular gene involved in growth regulation and development. It becomes an oncogene when it undergoes mutation or abnormal activation, converting it from a growth-regulating gene into a cancer-causing gene that drives uncontrolled cell division.