Question

Ras is a GTP-binding protein involved in cell proliferation (division). In its active form, with GTP bound, Ras activates cell signaling pathways that promote cell division. Mutations in the gene that encodes Ras can lead to cancer. How might mutations in the gene encoding Ras lead to the uncontrolled proliferation characteristic of cancer cells

Answer 1

Answer:

Mutations in the active site induce a continue 'switch-on state' of the Ras proteins

Explanation:

Ras is a family of GDP/GTP-binding proteins expressed in all animal cells. Ras proteins play roles in signal transduction pathways, where they are activated to subsequently 'switched on'  other proteins involved in diverse cellular processes including cell growth, cell differentiation and survival. In consequence, the Ras genes are considered to be oncogenes because when they are overexpressed in cells their encoded proteins produce uncontrolled cell proliferation, thereby leading to cancer progression.