proto-oncogene
(Science: molecular biology) The normal, cellular equivalent of an oncogene, thus usually a gene involved in the signalling or regulation of cell growth. In general, cellular proto-oncogenes are prefixed with a c, rather than their abnormal viral counterparts, that are prefixed with a v, for example c myc and v myc.
They are fragments of dNA, related to oncogenes but are the normal switches used to control growth and tissue repair.
Dictionary > Proto-oncogene
You will also like...
New Zealand’s Unique Fauna
Meet some of New Zealand's unique fauna, including endemic insects, frogs, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and investigate..
Control of Growth & Development
Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..
Plant Metabolism
Plants are responsible for incredible feats of molecular transformation. Plant processes, such as photosynthesis, photop..
The Gene Pool and Population Genetics
According to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection, preferable genes are favored by nature in the gene pool, and ..
Sensory Systems
A sensory system is a part of the nervous system consisting of sensory receptors that receive stimuli from the internal ..
Mātauranga Māori and Science
Mātauranga Māori is the living knowledge system of the indigenous people of New Zealand, including the relationships t..