What Is the Difference Between Proto Oncogene and Oncogene

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that help cells grow. An oncogene is any gene that causes cancer. One of the main characteristics of cancer is uncontrolled cell growth.

What is the difference between oncogenes proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes?

An important difference between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is that oncogenes result from the activation (turning on) of proto-oncogenes, but tumor suppressor genes cause cancer when they are inactivated (turned off).

What do proto-oncogene mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (PROH-toh-ON-koh-jeen) A gene involved in normal cell growth. Mutations (changes) in a proto-oncogene may cause it to become an oncogene, which can cause the growth of cancer cells.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.

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