Question

For each of the following, write down whether the gene is a proto-oncogene, an oncogene, or a tumor suppressor gene.

_______ DNA repair enzymes

_______ A constitutively active form of Ras introduced into a cell by a virus

_______ Bax, an apoptosis promoter

_______ PDGF (receptor for platelet derived growth factor, a mitogen)

Answer 1

Ptooncogene is a normal gene which when altered due to mutation leads to conversion into oncogene leading to development of cancer.

Oncogene is a gene which has the potential for causing cancer. These are often mutated or ecpressed in higher levels in tumor cells.

Active form of Ras and PDGF are oncogenes

Tumor suppresser genes are normal genes which are responsible for regulation of cell groth and keeping a check on over growth of cell division.

DNA repair enzymes and Bax are the examples of tumor suppressor genes.