An oncogene is
A) a normal gene that promotes mitosis.
B) a gene that codes for a growth factor that stimulates cell division.
C) a gene that codes for tumor suppressing proteins.
D) a mutated gene that results in tumors.
E) more than one of these.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An oncogene is a mutated gene that results in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. It is a type of proto-oncogene, which is a normal gene involved in cell growth and differentiation, but when mutated or overexpressed, can cause cancer. So, option A is incorrect because a normal gene that promotes mitosis is a proto-oncogene, not an oncogene. Option B is incorrect because a gene that codes for a growth factor is a proto-oncogene, not an oncogene. Option C is incorrect because the genes that code for tumor suppressing proteins are called tumor suppressor genes, not oncogenes. Therefore, the correct option is D.

An Oncogene Is