Genes that trigger normal cells to cause cancer are called

Options

A. house keeping constitutive genes
B. silent genes
C. oncogenes
D. recessive genes

Answer

To answer the question "Genes that trigger normal cells to cause cancer are called," we will analyze the provided options step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Options**:
- **Housekeeping Constitutive Genes**: These genes are essential for basic cellular functions and are always expressed. They do not trigger cancer.
- **Silent Genes**: These genes undergo mutations that do not affect the gene product. They are not involved in causing cancer.
- **Oncogenes**: These are genes that have the potential to cause cancer. They can trigger normal cells to become cancerous and promote tumor formation.
- **Recessive Genes**: In Mendelian genetics, these are genes that do not express their traits when a dominant gene is present. They are not directly related to cancer.

2. **Identifying the Correct Answer**:
- Among the options, **oncogenes** are specifically known for their role in cancer development. They convert normal cells into cancerous cells by promoting uncontrolled cell division.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the correct answer to the question is **oncogenes**.

### Final Answer:
Genes that trigger normal cells to cause cancer are called **oncogenes**.

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