oncogene

[ ong-kuh-jeen ]

noun

, Genetics.

1. any gene that is a causative factor in the initiation of cancerous growth.

oncogene

/ ˈɒŋkəʊˌdʒiːn /

noun

1. any of several genes, first identified in viruses but present in all cells, that when abnormally activated can cause cancer

oncogene

/ ŏn′kə-jēn /

1. A gene that causes normal cells to become cancerous either because the gene is mutated or because the gene is expressed at the wrong time in development.
2. See Note at cancer

oncogene

1. Genes in animal DNA that cause cancer .

Notes

Every cell contains genes that, when altered slightly, can become oncogenes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of oncogene¹

First recorded in 1965–70; onco- + gene

Word History and Origins

Origin of oncogene¹

C20 from Gk onkos mass, tumour + gene