Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

11. Cell Division

Cancer

General Biology

11. Cell Division

Cancer

Previous problemNext problem

4:11 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

Proto-oncogenes can change into oncogenes that cause cancer. Which of the following best explains the presence of these potential time bombs in eukaryotic cells?
a. Proto-oncogenes first arose from viral infections.
b. Proto-oncogenes are mutant versions of normal genes.
c. Proto-oncogenes are genetic 'junk'.
d. Proto-oncogenes normally help regulate cell division.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of proto-oncogenes: Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and division. They are essential for normal cellular functions and development.

Recognize the transformation process: Proto-oncogenes can become oncogenes through mutations or increased expression. This transformation can lead to uncontrolled cell division, contributing to cancer development.

Evaluate the options: Consider each option provided in the problem. Option a suggests a viral origin, which is not typically how proto-oncogenes arise. Option b implies they are mutant versions, which is incorrect as they are normal genes before mutation. Option c labels them as genetic 'junk,' which is misleading as they have important regulatory functions.

Focus on the correct explanation: Option d states that proto-oncogenes normally help regulate cell division, which aligns with their biological role. They are not inherently harmful but can become problematic if altered.

Conclude with the best choice: Based on the understanding of proto-oncogenes, option d is the most accurate explanation of their presence in eukaryotic cells, highlighting their role in normal cellular processes.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Proto-oncogenes

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes found in eukaryotic cells that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and division. They encode proteins that help control the cell cycle, ensuring cells divide at the right time and maintain healthy tissue function. When mutated or abnormally expressed, proto-oncogenes can become oncogenes, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer.

Oncogenes

Oncogenes are mutated or overexpressed versions of proto-oncogenes that contribute to cancer development. These genes can lead to the production of proteins that drive excessive cell division, inhibit normal cell death, or promote other cancerous behaviors. Understanding oncogenes is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies and understanding tumorigenesis.

Cell Division Regulation

Cell division regulation is a fundamental biological process that ensures cells divide correctly and at appropriate times. It involves a complex network of signals and checkpoints that control the cell cycle, preventing errors that could lead to diseases like cancer. Proto-oncogenes are integral to this regulation, as they encode proteins that help manage these processes, highlighting their importance in maintaining cellular health.

Watch next

Master Cancer with a bite sized video explanation from Jason

Start learning

Related Videos

Related Practice

Textbook Question

One difference between cancer cells and normal cells is that cancer cells

a. Are unable to synthesize DNA

b. Are arrested at the S phase of the cell cycle

c. Continue to divide even when they are tightly packed together

d. Cannot function properly because they are affected by density-dependent inhibition

1630

views

Textbook Question

Evaluate each of the following defects. Which could lead to uncontrolled growth in cancer? Select True or False for each statement. T/FThe overexpression of MPF activity. T/FA nonfunctional Rb protein. T/FThe overexpression of G1 cyclin. T/FA nonfunctional E2F protein.

1666

views

Textbook Question

All your cells contain proto-oncogenes, which can change into cancer-causing oncogenes. Why do cells possess such potential time bombs?

1596

views

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the effects of removing growth factors from asynchronous cultures of human cells that are normal and those that are cancerous.

1022

views

Textbook Question

Scientific Thinking The study described in Module 8.10 was purely observational; there were no controlled groups. Imagine that you are an oncologist. Design a hypothesis-driven study to determine whether mastectomy improves breast cancer survival over lumpectomy. What are your control groups? Would such a study be ethical to undertake? Why or why not?