FILL IN THE BLANK To cause cancer, proto-oncogenes require _ allele(s) to be mutated and therefore are considered . The mutation results in a _ of function.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
To cause cancer, proto-oncogenes require one allele(s) to be mutated and therefore are considered dominant. The mutation results in a gain of function.
Explanation:
Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that play essential roles in cell growth, division, and differentiation. They are vital for various cellular processes, including signal transduction pathways that control cell proliferation. However, when proto-oncogenes undergo mutations, they can be converted into oncogenes, which can lead to cancer development.
The key feature of proto-oncogenes is that they are considered dominant in their role in cancer progression. This means that only one allele of the proto-oncogene needs to be mutated for the gene to promote uncontrolled cell growth. In contrast, tumor suppressor genes, which prevent tumor formation, typically require both alleles to be mutated to lose their function. This is why mutations in proto-oncogenes are often viewed as a driving force behind the development of various cancers.
When a proto-oncogene is mutated, it usually results in a gain of function. This means that the mutated gene may produce an abnormal protein that either increases its normal activity or acquires new, uncontrolled activities that push cells to divide excessively. Examples of such mutations can include point mutations, gene amplifications, or chromosomal translocations. The resulting oncogenic proteins can lead to pathways that bypass normal regulatory controls, promoting excessive cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis.
In summary, the transformation of proto-oncogenes into oncogenes through mutations in just one allele highlights their role as dominant factors in cancer biology, emphasizing the importance of understanding these mutations for targeted cancer therapies and prevention strategies.