Spanish word

oncogén

Pronunciation

IPA/oŋkoˈxen/

Meaning

  • masculine nounoncogene

Example

El médico explicó que un oncogén puede causar tumores.

The doctor explained that an oncogene can cause tumors.

Illustration for oncogén (oncogene)

More examples

Es normal sentirse inquieto si te hablan de un oncogén.

It is normal to feel uneasy if someone mentions an oncogene.

Core concept

Gene whose activation triggers excessive cell division.

Common phrases

  • informarse sobre oncogén

    inform yourself about an oncogene

  • temer un oncogén

    be afraid of an oncogene

Similar words

gen: Unit of heredity in DNA that encodes instructions for an organism's traits.
mutación: Change in a DNA sequence that alters genetic information.
protooncogén: Normal gene that can trigger cancer if it becomes altered or overactive.
oncoproteína: Protein produced from altered genes that supports cancer cell growth.

Definition in Spanish

Gen cuya alteración favorece la proliferación celular anormal y puede conducir a la formación de tumores.

Word origin

Derived from onco- 'tumor' and -gen 'producer', applied to genes that when activated or altered trigger excessive cell division that can result in tumors.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 'un oncogén activado' is a frequent collocation to indicate an oncogene that is switched on, and the written acute accent (oncogén) marks the correct stress.

Word lists with this word