Question

Name the group of genes that have been identified and normal cells that could lead to cancer. How do these genes cause cancer?

Answer 1

Dear student,
The group of genes that have been identified in which the normal cells act as cancerous cells are called as proto-oncogenes. These genes cause cancer when a mutation occurs in these genes. A dominant type of mutation occurs in the proto-oncogene which is called as the oncogene. These oncogenes than produce a protein in large quantities that lead to increase in cell division and a decrease in the differentiation in cell and inhibit and stop the process of the cell death. All these lead to the production of the cancer cells. These mutations in the normal functioning of the gene can be caused by the exposure of the cells to the carcinogenic compounds or substances like tobacco smoke, ultraviolet rays or can be inherited from parents.
Regards