What happens when mutations occur in oncogenes?

When mutations occur in oncogenes, they generally lead to the aberrant activation of pathways that promote cell growth and division, which can ultimately result in uncontrolled cellular proliferation. Oncogenes are typically variants of normal genes (proto-oncogenes) that, when mutated or overexpressed, contribute to the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. This transformation often results in the loss of control over growth signals, making the cells more likely to proliferate in an unregulated manner.

In a healthy context, proto-oncogenes play essential roles in normal cell signaling pathways that control cell growth, proliferation, and survival. However, when mutations occur and these genes become oncogenes, they can lead to excessive signaling for growth and division. This change encourages the cells to bypass the usual regulatory mechanisms that would restrict growth, ultimately contributing to tumor development and progression.

The other options do not accurately reflect the role of oncogenes. For example, mutations in oncogenes do not enhance cell control mechanisms or promote healthy cell growth, as these would be contrary to their nature. Instead, oncogenes are characterized by promoting dysregulated growth and survival, which is central to cancer biology.