Genetics glossary

What is oncogene?

oncogene — A gene that contributes to the production of a cancer. Oncogenes are generally mutated forms of normal cellular genes (proto-oncogenes). A gene capable, when activated, of transforming a cell. Oncogenes are found in the oncogenically activated state in retroviruses and transformed cells and in their normal non-oncogenically activated state in non-transformed cells in which they are called…

A gene that contributes to the production of a cancer. Oncogenes are generally mutated forms of normal cellular genes (proto-oncogenes). A gene capable, when activated, of transforming a cell. Oncogenes are found in the oncogenically activated state in retroviruses and transformed cells and in their normal non-oncogenically activated state in non-transformed cells in which they are called proto-oncogenes.

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