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Genes that play a role in proper cell division but may also play a role in some types of cancer are called:

a. Oncogenes

b. Protooncogenes

c. Promoters

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Option b)Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that when mutated can become oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell division and potentially cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Genes that play a role in proper cell division and may also play a role in some types of cancer when mutated are called b) proto-oncogenes.

These genes are responsible for coding positive cell cycle regulators. When a proto-oncogene mutates, it can become an oncogene, which causes a cell to divide uncontrollably and potentially lead to cancer. This uncontrolled cell division is equivalent to a car's accelerator pedal being stuck, causing the cell to keep dividing without regulation. Proto-oncogenes normally help cells divide, but when altered can have a significant and detrimental effect on cellular regulation.

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