Biology of Cancer Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the characteristic of carcinoma in situ?

It is a form of cancer that metastasizes rapidly.

It invades surrounding tissues and stroma.

It spreads to the lymphatic system.

It affects only epithelial cells without invasion. (correct)

What does the term 'translocation' refer to in relation to cancer cells?

The addition of a chromosome segment to another chromosome. (correct)

The migration of cancer cells from one organ to another.

The stages of cancer development over time.

The process of cancer cell differentiation.

What role do hallmark characteristics play in cancer cells?

They indicate early detection methods.

They signify predictable cancer treatment responses.

They give cancer cells advantages over normal cells. (correct)

They represent benign growth features.

Which type of cancer primarily arises from epithelial cells?

Carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

How is carcinoma in situ defined?

As cancer confined to its original location without invasion. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes benign tumors?

They have shorter names ending with -oma. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines anaplasia?

The loss of cellular differentiation. Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger mutations that lead to cancer?

External environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

How do malignant tumors differ from benign tumors?

Malignant tumors can metastasize. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of cancer, what does the term 'detached from the rest' refer to?

Independent growth of malignant cells. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tumor is characterized by abnormal cells that can invade other tissues?

Malignant tumors. Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinguishing feature of lipomas?

They are a type of benign tumor. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a cell mutates in relation to cancer development?

It becomes stronger and more independent. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes proto-oncogenes?

They become oncogenes when they undergo certain mutations. Signup and view all the answers

What role do tumor suppressor genes play?

They regulate and inhibit cell division. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Warburg effect?

Anaerobic glycolysis occurring in cancerous cells. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when genomic instability occurs?

Cancer cells proliferate uncontrollably. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of macrophages in cancer?

They promote the survival and growth of tumors. Signup and view all the answers

During which cancer stage does local invasion begin?

Stage 2 Signup and view all the answers

How does chronic inflammation contribute to cancer?

It creates a favorable environment for tumor growth. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of telomeres in cancer cells?

They are activated to allow unlimited cell division. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the immune system and cancer?

Cancer cells can evade immune detection. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes metastatic cancer?

Can spread to distant organs via blood vessels. Signup and view all the answers

What role do caretaker genes serve in genomic stability?

They correct DNA damages. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with cancer?

Chronic fatigue and pain. Signup and view all the answers

What function does angiogenesis serve in cancer development?

It provides a blood supply to tumors. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes paraneoplastic syndromes?

Symptoms arise from substances produced by the tumor. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Biology of Cancer

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability to invade surrounding tissues.
There are two main types of tumors:
- Benign tumors are noncancerous and do not invade surrounding tissues.
- Malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues.
Anaplasia describes the loss of cellular differentiation, which often occurs in cancer cells.
Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that, when mutated, can become oncogenes. Oncogenes promote uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Tumor suppressor genes act as "brakes" on cell division, inhibiting proliferation and preventing mutations.
Genomic instability, which is a characteristic of many cancers, refers to an increased rate of mutations.
Replicative immortality means that cancer cells can divide indefinitely, whereas normal body cells have a limited lifespan.
- Telomeres, protective caps on chromosomes, get shorter with each cell division.
- Cancer cells can activate telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomere length.
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, sustains tumor growth.
Reprogramming energy metabolism is another hallmark of cancer cells, characterized by a shift towards aerobic glycolysis, also known as the Warburg effect.
Apoptosis, programmed cell death, can be evaded in cancer cells, allowing them to survive and proliferate.
Tumor-promoting inflammation can contribute to cancer development.
- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are immune cells that can promote tumor survival and suppress the immune response.
Evading immune system is a crucial step in cancer progression.
- Immunotherapy aims to enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer cells.
Activating invasion and metastasis is the process of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body.
- Local invasion refers to the spread of cancer within the tissue.
- Metastasis occurs when cancer cells spread from the primary tumor to distant sites.
- Stages of cancer refer to the extent of the spread:
  - Stage 1: Confined to the original site.
  - Stage 2: Local invasion.
  - Stage 3: Spread to regional structures, often through lymphatics.
  - Stage 4: Distant metastasis, spread through the blood.
Signs of cancer can include fatigue, pain, anorexia, cachexia, and paraneoplastic syndromes (symptoms not caused by the tumor itself, but by its effects on the body).

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of cancer biology, including the characteristics of cancer cells, types of tumors, and the roles of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Understand key terms like anaplasia and genomic instability, and learn how cancer cells achieve replicative immortality. Test your knowledge of these critical aspects of cellular biology.