Carcinogenesis: oncogenes: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Carcinogenesis: oncogenes

Sample item

Which change converts a proto-oncogene into an oncogene?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Gain-of-function mutation or overexpression

Oncogenes arise from activated proto-oncogenes through gain-of-function mutation, amplification, or translocation, promoting growth with a dominant cellular effect. Tumor suppressors are generally inactivated by loss of function.

Option by option

  • A. Gain-of-function mutation or overexpression (correct)

    Correct. Activation or overexpression drives oncogenic signaling.

  • B. Deletion of all cellular DNA

    Deletion of all DNA is incompatible with cell survival.

  • C. Promoter methylation causing silencing only

    Silencing a growth-promoting gene would not create an oncogene.

  • D. Loss of both alleles only

    Biallelic loss is the usual pattern for tumor-suppressor gene inactivation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Gain-of-function mutation or overexpression. Oncogenes arise from activated proto-oncogenes through gain-of-function mutation, amplification, or translocation, promoting growth with a dominant cellular effect.

Why is "Deletion of all cellular DNA" not the answer?

Deletion of all DNA is incompatible with cell survival.

Why is "Promoter methylation causing silencing only" not the answer?

Silencing a growth-promoting gene would not create an oncogene.

Why is "Loss of both alleles only" not the answer?

Biallelic loss is the usual pattern for tumor-suppressor gene inactivation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Carcinogenesis: oncogenes in Pathology. Tumor suppressors are generally inactivated by loss of function.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Carcinogenesis: oncogenes?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.