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Questions and Answers
What is the term used for uncontrolled proliferation of cells?
What is the term used for uncontrolled proliferation of cells?
All tumors are considered cancerous.
All tumors are considered cancerous.
False
What are the two major categories of cells in humans?
What are the two major categories of cells in humans?
Gametes and somatic cells
The process of __________ involves the generation of new daughter cells.
The process of __________ involves the generation of new daughter cells.
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Match the following cell types with their characteristics:
Match the following cell types with their characteristics:
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What does the term 'neoplasm' refer to?
What does the term 'neoplasm' refer to?
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Cell differentiation results in cells that have different structures and functions.
Cell differentiation results in cells that have different structures and functions.
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Who is credited with the term 'carcinoma', related to cancer?
Who is credited with the term 'carcinoma', related to cancer?
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What role do mutator genes play in the cell?
What role do mutator genes play in the cell?
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Mutations in tumor suppressor genes lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
Mutations in tumor suppressor genes lead to uncontrolled cell growth.
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What are the three basic actions of oncogenes?
What are the three basic actions of oncogenes?
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A _____ agent is known to cause cancer by interfering with molecular pathways.
A _____ agent is known to cause cancer by interfering with molecular pathways.
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Match the following mutated tumor suppressor genes with their associated characteristics:
Match the following mutated tumor suppressor genes with their associated characteristics:
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How can proto-oncogenes be activated into oncogenes?
How can proto-oncogenes be activated into oncogenes?
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Activated oncogenes are always inherited from the parents.
Activated oncogenes are always inherited from the parents.
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What happens when mutator genes are mutated?
What happens when mutator genes are mutated?
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What is the primary characteristic of stem cells?
What is the primary characteristic of stem cells?
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Carcinogenesis refers to the normal development of healthy cells.
Carcinogenesis refers to the normal development of healthy cells.
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What are telomeres and their role in cell division?
What are telomeres and their role in cell division?
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Cancer cells become ______ by repairing telomeres.
Cancer cells become ______ by repairing telomeres.
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What type of cells are highly prone to neoplasm development?
What type of cells are highly prone to neoplasm development?
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Mutations in somatic cells can be passed to future generations.
Mutations in somatic cells can be passed to future generations.
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What are the two types of genetic mutations that can lead to cancer?
What are the two types of genetic mutations that can lead to cancer?
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Study Notes
Applied Pathophysiology: A Conceptual Approach to the Mechanisms of Disease
- This lecture series covers applied pathophysiology, focusing on the mechanisms of disease.
- It specifically examines altered cellular proliferation and differentiation, particularly the impact of cancer on the cell.
Cancer Statistics (Australia 2017)
- Prostate cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males (16,665 cases).
- Breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females (17,586 cases)
- Colorectal cancer was the third most common in both genders.
- Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in both genders
- A range of other cancers are also prominently represented in the statistics.
Cancer: Definition and Characteristics
- Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- It's derived from Greek words "crab" (carcinos), and "tumor" (carcinoma).
- Hippocrates and Celsus recognized early forms of cancer characterized as "finger-like projections"
- Also referred to as a neoplasm, meaning "new growth".
- Cancer can be a chronic condition with periods of remission and relapse.
- Not all tumours are cancerous.
Cell Proliferation
- Cell proliferation is the process of increasing cell numbers.
- In normal tissue, this process is regulated.
- Human cells are categorized as somatic cells and gametes.
- Somatic cells operate via mitosis, while gametes use meiosis.
- Cell types within the body are divided into three large groups.
Cell Differentiation
- Cell differentiation is the process of proliferating cells becoming progressively specialized.
- Results in fully differentiated adult cells with specific structures, functions, and life expectancies.
- An example is red blood cells (RBCs), which are terminally differentiated, concave, carry oxygen and have a lifespan of 120 days.
Stem Cells
- Stem cells are highly undifferentiated reserve cells with the potential to divide into progenitors.
- Stem cells have self-renewal and potency through stem cell division (stem cell + progenitor)
Normal vs. Cancer Cells
- Normal cells grow, divide, differentiate, and are in communication with neighboring cells. They respond to the environment and die as needed.
- Cancer cells exhibit abnormal growth, no longer respond to regulatory mechanisms such as contact inhibition/recognition, reproduce uncontrollably, and may grow outside the original tissue of origin
Carcinogenesis
- Definition: The origin and development of cancerous neoplasms.
- Neoplasms are irreversible deviant cellular developments.
- Factors that initiate cancer and promote its spread are considered carcinogens.
- Cancer is a highly invasive and destructive neoplasm.
Carcinogens: Identification and Agents
- Carcinogens can be identified via: Epidemiology studies, experimental research, and cell and molecular pathology.
- They can interfere with crucial molecular pathways (initiate, promote, or facilitate tumour creation or growth).
Genetics Basis of Cancer
- Cancer arises from genetic mutations and usually requires multiple mutations.
- Mutations may occur spontaneously.
- Mutations may be acquired after conception or inherited.
- Exposure to environmental mutagens or inherited predisposition can increase cancer risk.
Role of Genes in Cancer
- Mutator genes: Involved in DNA repair.
- Oncogenes: Genes that promote uncontrolled cell proliferation.
- Tumor suppressor genes: Genes that restrict uncontrolled growth.
Telomeres and Cancer
- Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes, shortening with each cell division.
- Cancer cells become "immortal" due to telomere repair mechanisms.
Carcinogenesis: Initiation, Promotion, and Progression
- Initiation: Initial mutations in a cell caused by a carcinogen.
- Promotion: Expansion and continuous mutation of the initiated cell, a process that often requires ongoing exposure to a promoting factor.
- Progression: Cancerous growth becomes independent of the promoter; cells grow autonomously, with unrestricted growth, division, and potentially death (apoptosis).
Summary of Initiator-Promoter-Progression Theory
- The initiation of cancer depends on a specific event and the process needs to happen in a sustained way for cancer to develop.
- Initiating exposure triggers irreversible changes.
- Exposure needs to continue for the promoted stage to occur.
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Description
This quiz explores applied pathophysiology with a focus on cancer mechanisms, including altered cellular proliferation and differentiation. You'll learn about cancer statistics and the characteristics that define this complex disease. Perfect for students interested in understanding the nuances of cancer development and statistics.
