Final Answer:
A gene that codes for a positive cell cycle regulator is called a c) Proto-oncogene.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gene that codes for a positive cell cycle regulator is termed a proto-oncogene. Proto-oncogenes play a crucial role in promoting cell growth and division under normal circumstances. These genes can undergo mutations or alterations, leading to their conversion into oncogenes, which have the potential to drive uncontrolled cell proliferation and contribute to the development of cancer.
In the cell cycle, various regulatory checkpoints ensure that the process proceeds accurately. Proto-oncogenes encode proteins involved in promoting cell cycle progression by regulating key checkpoints. For instance, they may produce growth factors or signal transduction proteins that stimulate cell division. When proto-oncogenes undergo mutations, they can become hyperactive or overexpressed, disrupting the normal balance of cell cycle regulation.
Understanding the transformation of proto-oncogenes into oncogenes is critical in cancer research. Oncogenes can drive abnormal cell growth and survival, leading to the formation of tumors. Targeting these oncogenes has become a key strategy in cancer therapy, aiming to restore normal cell cycle regulation and inhibit the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells.
Overall, the identification and study of proto-oncogenes contribute significantly to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and aid in the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.