What does the suffix '-gen' signify?

The suffix '-gen' signifies a substance or agent that produces or causes something. In medical terminology, it is often used to refer to various agents that can lead to a particular effect, such as in "pathogen," which refers to a substance that produces disease. This understanding of '-gen' is essential in a medical context, where recognizing the role of certain substances or agents is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions.

When considering other options, while 'producing' may seem similar, it is actually more broad and encompasses several terms, whereas '-gen' specifically relates to an agent or substance. The other options—'cell' and 'bone'—do not align with the meaning of '-gen' and instead pertain to entirely different concepts in medical vocabulary.