A Proto-Oncogene Can Become an Oncogene When

Question

A proto-oncogene can become an oncogene when
A) it is shut off.
B) it is translocated next to a highly expressed gene.
C) it is translocated next to a gene that is not being expressed.
D) checkpoints are added to the cell cycle.
E) the cell cycle temporarily runs backwards.

Accepted Answer

When a proto-oncogene is translocated next to a highly expressed gene, it can become an oncogene because the high expression of the adjacent gene can cause the proto-oncogene to be overexpressed as well, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division. This is a common mechanism for oncogene activation in cancers such as chronic myeloid leukemia.