TRANSFORMING GENES Meaning and
Definition
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Transforming genes, also known as oncogenes, refer to specific genes that have the ability to transform normal cells into cancerous cells. These genes play a crucial role in initiating and promoting the development of cancer within an organism.
Transforming genes can be derived from different sources, including viral genes or altered versions of normal cellular genes. When these genes are activated or mutated, they disrupt the normal cellular processes, leading to uncontrolled cell division, inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death), and the formation of tumors.
The activation or mutation of transforming genes can occur through various mechanisms, such as chromosomal translocations, gene amplification, or point mutations. These alterations result in the production of abnormal proteins or the overexpression of certain proteins that drive the malignant transformation of cells.
Transforming genes often encode for proteins involved in cell growth regulation, signal transduction pathways, and cell cycle control. Examples of well-known transforming genes include the HER2 gene in breast cancer, the BRAF gene in melanoma, or the BCR-ABL gene associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Understanding transforming genes and their mechanisms of action is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. By identifying and targeting specific transforming genes, scientists and clinicians can potentially inhibit their function, regulate cell growth, and prevent tumor progression, thereby offering more effective and personalized treatments for cancer patients.
Common Misspellings for TRANSFORMING GENES
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Etymology of TRANSFORMING GENES
The word "transforming genes" is a scientific term derived from the fields of molecular biology and genetics.
The term "gene" originated from the German word "Gen", coined by Danish botanist Augustinian Gregor Mendel in the mid-19th century to describe the basic unit of heredity. Mendel's experiments with pea plants led to the discovery of heritable traits, which he postulated were governed by discrete "units" that we now call genes.
The word "transforming" in this context refers to the ability of certain genes to cause genetic transformation. This concept was first studied in the 1940s by Oswald Avery, Colin MacLeod, and Maclyn McCarty. They discovered that the DNA molecule, found inside genes, carried the hereditary information and could transfer and transform the characteristics of one organism to another.
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