AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -A proto-oncogene normally functions in a way much like the gas pedal on a car. It helps the cell grow and divide. An oncogene is like a gas pedal that is stuck down, which causes the cell to divide out of control. Oncogenes can be turned on (activated) in cells in different ways.

Detailed explanation-2: -Mutations in genes can cause cancer by accelerating cell division rates or inhibiting normal controls on the system, such as cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death. As a mass of cancerous cells grows, it can develop into a tumor.

Detailed explanation-3: -The conversion of a proto-oncogene to an oncogene is called activation. Proto-oncogenes can become activated by a variety of genetic mechanisms including transduction, insertional mutagenesis, amplification, point mutations, and chromosomal translocations.

Detailed explanation-4: -Oncogenes may cause normal cells to become cancer cells and grow in the body. Mutations that lead to the conversion of proto-oncogenes to oncogenes usually occur during a person’s lifetime and are not inherited from a parent.

Detailed explanation-5: -Oncogenes are mutated genes that cause cells to grow out of control and can lead to cancer. Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that control cell growth but if they become mutated they can turn into oncogenes.