Cancer genetics: 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 · Cancer genetics

Sample item

What is the usual consequence of an activating mutation in a proto-oncogene?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Conversion into an oncogene promoting cell growth

Activating mutations or overexpression of proto-oncogenes create oncogenes that drive inappropriate cell survival or proliferation, often through signaling pathways that are normally tightly regulated.

Option by option

  • A. Conversion into an oncogene promoting cell growth (correct)

    Correct: activated proto-oncogenes become growth-promoting oncogenes.

  • B. Loss of all growth-factor receptors

    Oncogenes often increase, not eliminate, growth signaling.

  • C. Guaranteed apoptosis of the mutant cell

    Oncogene activation promotes survival rather than guaranteeing apoptosis.

  • D. Enhanced DNA repair in every cell

    DNA repair enhancement is more associated with intact tumor-suppressor function.

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, Conversion into an oncogene promoting cell growth. Activating mutations or overexpression of proto-oncogenes create oncogenes that drive inappropriate cell survival or proliferation, often through signaling pathways that are normally tightly regulated.

Why is "Loss of all growth-factor receptors" not the answer?

Oncogenes often increase, not eliminate, growth signaling.

Why is "Guaranteed apoptosis of the mutant cell" not the answer?

Oncogene activation promotes survival rather than guaranteeing apoptosis.

Why is "Enhanced DNA repair in every cell" not the answer?

DNA repair enhancement is more associated with intact tumor-suppressor function.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cancer genetics in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: activated proto-oncogenes become growth-promoting oncogenes.

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 Cancer genetics?

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.