Question

What are the typical functions of proteins encoded by genes that may become oncogenes?

1) DNA repair enzyme
2) protein that activates apoptosis
3) growth factor receptor
4) cell cycle checkpoint protein
5) transcription factor
6) intracellular signaling protein

Answer 1

Proteins encoded by genes that can become oncogenes include growth factor receptors, transcription factors, and intracellular signaling proteins; their mutation can lead to the formation of oncogenes, causing uncontrolled cell growth and potentially cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The functions of proteins encoded by genes that may become oncogenes are diverse and involve cell cycle progression and growth regulation.

Typically, such proteins include growth factor receptors, which bind growth factors and initiate a cascade of intracellular signals prompting cell division; transcription factors like myc, which regulate the expression of genes necessary for cell proliferation; and intracellular signaling proteins like the RAS protein, which convey growth signals within the cell.

When these proto-oncogenes are mutated, they can lead to the formation of oncogenes, which in turn may cause uncontrolled cell growth and cancer due to the disruption of normal cell cycle control and signaling pathways.