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Carcinogen vs Oncogene - What's the difference?

carcinogen | oncogene |

As nouns the difference between carcinogen and oncogene

is that carcinogen is a substance or agent that can cause cancer while oncogene is oncogene.

carcinogen

Noun

(en noun)
  • A substance or agent that can cause cancer.
  • * 1995 , Barbra Wiener, Executive Director Women's Cancer Resource Center Minneapolis, " Letter: Focus Cancer Research on Prevention," New York Times , 26 Oct. (retrieved 19 Oct. 2009):
  • We know there are substances in our environment that are proven carcinogens —ionizing radiation, electromagnetic fields, organochlorines, pesticides and herbicides.

    oncogene

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (oncology, genetics) Any gene that contributes to the conversion of a normal cell into a cancerous cell when mutated or expressed at high levels.
  • * 1999 , (Matt Ridley), Genome , Harper Perennial 2004, p. 234:
  • It was obvious from the start what kinds of genes oncogenes would turn out to be – genes that encourage cells to grow.

    Derived terms

    * oncogenesis * proto-oncogene