Oncogene: meaning, definitions and examples

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oncogene

 

[ หˆษ’ล‹kษ™สŠdส’iหn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

genetics, cancer

An oncogene is a gene that has the potential to cause cancer. It is typically a mutated form of a normal gene, known as a proto-oncogene, which is involved in cell growth and division. When this gene is altered, it can lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation and tumor formation. Oncogenes can be activated by various factors, including mutations, chromosomal translocations, and viral infections. Understanding oncogenes is crucial in cancer research, as they provide insights into the mechanisms of tumor development and potential therapeutic targets.

Synonyms

cancer gene, tumor gene

Examples of usage

  • Mutations in oncogenes can lead to rapid cell division.
  • Research on oncogenes is vital for developing cancer treatments.
  • Oncogenes can be activated by exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Studying oncogenes helps identify cancer risks.

Translations

Translations of the word "oncogene" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oncogene

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‘เคจเฅเค•เฅ‹เคœเฅ€เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ onkogen

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฝะบะพะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒณใ‚ณใ‚ธใƒผใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท oncogรจne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ oncogรฉn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜จ์ฝ”๊ฒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฌูŠู†ูˆุฑุงู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ onkogรฉn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็™ŒๅŸบๅ› 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รณnkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฝะบะพะณะตะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒœแƒ™แƒแƒ’แƒ”แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ onkogen

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ oncogรฉn

Etymology

The term 'oncogene' is derived from the combination of the Greek word 'onkos' meaning mass or tumor, and the Latin word 'gene' which relates to genetics. The concept of oncogenes emerged in the 1970s when scientists began to understand that certain genes could lead to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. This research was propelled by the discovery of viruses that could induce cancer in animals and the recognition that similar mechanisms might occur in human cancers. As molecular biology techniques advanced, the identification and classification of various oncogenes accelerated, leading to significant insights into cancer etiology and potential treatment avenues. The recognition of oncogenes marked a turning point in cancer research, highlighting the importance of genetic factors in the development of tumors.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,938, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.