Final answer:
Proto-oncogenes are true regulators of cell division, and their mutation can lead to oncogenes that cause uncontrolled cell growth. The myc protein is an example of a proto-oncogene product that becomes overactivated in cancer, such as Burkett's Lymphoma. The equilibrium between proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is vital for normal cell cycle control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proto-oncogenes do indeed play a crucial role in controlling the division of normal cells, so the answer to the question is a-true. These genes are integral components of the complex machinery that regulates the cell cycle. Under normal circumstances, proto-oncogenes function like an accelerator for cell division, ensuring that cells divide at the right time. When a mutation occurs in a proto-oncogene, it can turn into an oncogene, leading to an overexpression of the gene product. This can result in uncontrolled cell growth, which is a characteristic of cancer. For instance, the myc protein, which is normally involved in cell cycle regulation, can become overactivated in Burkett's Lymphoma, causing normal B cells to turn cancerous and proliferate without control.
The balance between proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is delicate, and any disruption can tilt the equilibrium towards cell proliferation. Mutations in proto-oncogenes are essentially like having the accelerator stuck on a car, driving the cell cycle forward without the necessary checks and balances.