Final answer:
Some mutations turn proto-oncogenes into oncogenes, which are cancer-causing genes that result in uncontrolled cell proliferation by becoming independent of normal growth control mechanisms. The multi-step process of cancer development requires activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. An example is the MYC oncogene in Burkett's Lymphoma, which leads to unchecked B cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutations in proto-oncogenes, which normally play a role in cell division, can sometimes result in a change that transforms these genes into oncogenes. These oncogenes lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation by making the activity of gene products independent of normal regulatory mechanisms, such as GTP or phosphorylation, and therefore independent of growth factor control. This process upsets the balance of cell cycle regulation, overriding normal growth controls and potentially leading to cancer. For instance, in Burkett's Lymphoma, the MYC oncogene is aberrantly activated, causing normal B cells to become cancerous and multiply uncontrollably.
It is important to note that a single mutation in a proto-oncogene does not necessarily lead to cancer; it typically requires a series of mutations that activate oncogenes and inactivate tumor suppressor genes. This multi-step process increases the chance of cellular transformation into a cancer cell, where growth signals overpower regulatory signals, causing a cascade of abnormal cell division.