Is a proto oncogene the same as an oncogene?

No, a proto-oncogene and an oncogene are not the same. A proto-oncogene is a normal gene that plays a role in cell growth and division. When mutated or abnormally expressed, a proto-oncogene can become an oncogene, which promotes uncontrolled cell proliferation and contributes to cancer development. Thus, while all oncogenes originate from proto-oncogenes, not all proto-oncogenes become oncogenes.