What type of mutation might occur that causes proto-oncogenes to become oncogenes?

Consider how each mutation affects gene function: A point mutation involves a change in a single nucleotide base pair, which can lead to a change in the protein product. A nonsense mutation introduces a premature stop codon, potentially truncating the protein. A frameshift mutation results from insertions or deletions that alter the reading frame of the gene. A silent mutation changes a nucleotide without altering the amino acid sequence of the protein.

Evaluate which mutations can activate proto-oncogenes: Point mutations can activate proto-oncogenes by altering the protein structure or function, leading to increased activity. Nonsense mutations typically inactivate genes, so they are less likely to convert proto-oncogenes to oncogenes. Frameshift mutations can also activate proto-oncogenes if they result in a gain of function. Silent mutations do not change the protein function and are unlikely to activate proto-oncogenes.