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Multiple Choice
What type of protein that regulates the cell cycle is encoded by proto-oncogenes?
A
Cyclins
B
Growth factors
C
Tumor suppressors
D
DNA repair enzymes
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of proto-oncogenes: Proto-oncogenes are genes that normally help cells grow. When a proto-oncogene mutates or is expressed at high levels, it becomes a 'bad' gene that can become permanently activated when it is not supposed to be. This can lead to uncontrolled cell division, a hallmark of cancer.
Identify the types of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation: The cell cycle is regulated by various proteins, including cyclins, growth factors, tumor suppressors, and DNA repair enzymes. Each of these plays a distinct role in cell cycle control.
Focus on growth factors: Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell growth and division. They bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, triggering a cascade of cellular processes that lead to cell proliferation.
Relate growth factors to proto-oncogenes: Proto-oncogenes often encode for growth factors or their receptors. When these genes are mutated, they can lead to the continuous activation of growth signals, promoting cancerous growth.
Conclude the connection: Since proto-oncogenes encode proteins that promote cell growth and division, the type of protein they encode that regulates the cell cycle is growth factors.