What role does the oncogene play in cancer development?

An oncogene is a type of gene that, when mutated or expressed at high levels, has the potential to cause normal cells to become cancerous. The primary role of an oncogene in cancer development is to drive cell division and promote growth. When functioning normally, oncogenes are involved in critical cellular processes, such as signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, division, and differentiation. However, mutations can lead to the overexpression or constitutive activation of these genes, enabling cells to proliferate uncontrollably. This unchecked cell division is a hallmark of cancer progression.

In contrast, genes that repair DNA damage or suppress tumor formation play different roles in maintaining genomic integrity and preventing cancer. Programs related to cell death, such as apoptosis, are part of a cellular mechanism to eliminate damaged or potentially harmful cells. While these processes are crucial in the context of cancer biology, they are not the primary functions associated with oncogenes specifically. Thus, the key function of oncogenes in the development of cancer is their ability to promote and accelerate the growth of cells, leading to the formation of tumors.