Q. 21 - Biology

Question

Cancer causing genes are called ________. 

a. transformation genes 

b. tumor suppressor genes 

c. oncogenes 

d. mutated genes 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Option C is the correct answer

Step 1: Introduction

Proto-oncogenes are the genes that encode the positive cell-cycle regulators. Normal genes called proto-oncogenes can mutate to become oncogenes, or genes that make a cell become cancer.

Step 2: The explanation for the correct answer

Oncogenes 

• These transform a malignant cell into a healthy cell. 
• It is unknown if these gene mutations are inherited.

Step 3: The explanation for the incorrect options

• The opposing side of cell growth control is represented by tumour suppressor genes, which typically operate to prevent tumour development and cell proliferation.
• A gene that has been altered involves the expression of foreign genes in the host gene.
• A gene that has undergone mutation is one that has lost, acquired, or exchanged some of the genetic material from its parent, altering it in a way that makes it permanently transmissible.