In: Biology
Which is NOT a typical mechanism by which a proto-oncogene is converted to an oncogene?
a. A chromosomal translocation that brings together two different genes that make a fusion protein. |
b. A chromosomal translocation resulting in enhanced transcription of the proto-oncogene. |
c. Complete deletion of the proto-oncogene. |
d. A point mutation in the proto-oncogene. |
e. All of the above are mechanisms of converting proto-oncogenes to oncogenes. |
The correct answer is option c because complete deletion of the proto-oncogene does not convert it into an oncogene. The other options, i.e. a, b, and d, represent true mechanisms for conversion of proto-oncogenes to oncogenes.
However, the complete deletion of some tumor suppressor genes can result in an oncogenic event; even in such cases, the complete deletion of the tumor suppressor gene does not represent its conversion to an oncogene.