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oncogene
[ ong-kuh-jeen ]
oncogene
/ ˈɒŋkəʊˌdʒiːn /
noun
- any of several genes, first identified in viruses but present in all cells, that when abnormally activated can cause cancer
oncogene
/ ŏn′kə-jēn /
- 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.
- See Note at cancer
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Notes
Every cell contains genes that, when altered slightly, can become oncogenes.
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Word History and Origins
Origin of oncogene1
C20 from Gk onkos mass, tumour + gene
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Compare Meanings
How does oncogene compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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