Question

A proto-oncogene is a normal gene that can change into an oncogene. Oncogenes are potentially lethal genes that can cause cancer. Why do cells continue to maintain these genes?

a) Cells cannot control the expression of these genes
b) They are essential for cell survival
c) They provide growth and development signals
d) Cells do not maintain proto-oncogenes

Answer 1

Cells maintain proto-oncogenes because they provide growth and development signals that are essential for normal cell division and growth. These signals are important for regulating cellular processes. Multiple mutations are required for cancer to occur.

Step-by-step explanation:

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that, when mutated to become oncogenes, have the potential to cause cancer. Despite their potential harm, cells continue to maintain proto-oncogenes because they provide growth and development signals that are important for regulating various cellular processes. These signals are necessary for normal cell division and growth. It is only when multiple proto-oncogenes mutate into oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are deactivated that cancerous can occur.