What does the term "oncogene" refer to?

The term "oncogene" specifically refers to a mutated version of a gene that, when altered, can lead to the promotion of uncontrolled cell division and contribute to the development of cancer. Oncogenes are typically derived from proto-oncogenes, which are normal genes involved in regulating cell growth and division. When these proto-oncogenes undergo mutations due to various factors such as environmental carcinogens, viral infections, or genetic predispositions, they can become oncogenes, losing their regulatory control and instead driving excessive cellular proliferation.

This process often enables cells to bypass normal growth control mechanisms, allowing for the unchecked and inappropriate growth that characterizes cancerous tissues. Therefore, the identification and study of oncogenes are crucial for understanding the molecular basis of cancer and for developing targeted therapies to combat tumors that arise as a result of such mutations.