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What is one major advantage of the new method in cancer treatment using beams of light?
What is one major advantage of the new method in cancer treatment using beams of light?
What role does scientific research play in cancer treatment advancements?
What role does scientific research play in cancer treatment advancements?
Which statement accurately reflects the concept of cell specialization?
Which statement accurately reflects the concept of cell specialization?
What is a unique characteristic of muscle cells?
What is a unique characteristic of muscle cells?
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What are stem cells capable of doing?
What are stem cells capable of doing?
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All cells have the ability to grow indefinitely without division.
All cells have the ability to grow indefinitely without division.
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What is the primary reason that organisms need to increase the number of cells as they grow?
What is the primary reason that organisms need to increase the number of cells as they grow?
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What type of cell division produces gametes?
What type of cell division produces gametes?
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Cells must remove _____ to maintain homeostasis.
Cells must remove _____ to maintain homeostasis.
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Which of the following is NOT a basic need of cells?
Which of the following is NOT a basic need of cells?
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Match the following processes with their descriptions:
Match the following processes with their descriptions:
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The amount of solute in a given volume of solution is referred to as _____ .
The amount of solute in a given volume of solution is referred to as _____ .
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All organisms reproduce asexually, producing offspring with the same DNA as the parent.
All organisms reproduce asexually, producing offspring with the same DNA as the parent.
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What is the correct sequence of phases in mitosis?
What is the correct sequence of phases in mitosis?
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Sister chromatids are two identical strands of DNA connected at the centromere.
Sister chromatids are two identical strands of DNA connected at the centromere.
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What occurs during the metaphase of mitosis?
What occurs during the metaphase of mitosis?
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The nuclear membrane breaks down during ______ phase of mitosis.
The nuclear membrane breaks down during ______ phase of mitosis.
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What happens during anaphase?
What happens during anaphase?
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Match the following phases of mitosis with their descriptions:
Match the following phases of mitosis with their descriptions:
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Cytokinesis occurs during the anaphase of cell division.
Cytokinesis occurs during the anaphase of cell division.
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What is the term for the two genetically identical cells produced after division?
What is the term for the two genetically identical cells produced after division?
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What is a significant characteristic of malignant tumors?
What is a significant characteristic of malignant tumors?
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Checkpoint failure refers to the checkpoints successfully detecting and eliminating malfunctioning cells.
Checkpoint failure refers to the checkpoints successfully detecting and eliminating malfunctioning cells.
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What term describes the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body?
What term describes the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body?
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Some mutations are caused by __________, which can lead to cancer.
Some mutations are caused by __________, which can lead to cancer.
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Match the type of tumor with its characteristic:
Match the type of tumor with its characteristic:
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Which of the following is an example of a common carcinogen?
Which of the following is an example of a common carcinogen?
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All individuals exposed to carcinogens will definitely develop cancer.
All individuals exposed to carcinogens will definitely develop cancer.
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What happens to cancer cells when mutations affect DNA that controls cell division?
What happens to cancer cells when mutations affect DNA that controls cell division?
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Which of the following is considered a 'superfood' that is beneficial for cancer prevention?
Which of the following is considered a 'superfood' that is beneficial for cancer prevention?
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Early cancer detection does not impact treatment success.
Early cancer detection does not impact treatment success.
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What method is used for colon cancer screening?
What method is used for colon cancer screening?
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Higher body fat can increase the risk of some _______.
Higher body fat can increase the risk of some _______.
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Match the imaging technologies with their primary usage:
Match the imaging technologies with their primary usage:
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Which of the following tests can identify blood cancers like leukemia?
Which of the following tests can identify blood cancers like leukemia?
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Cancer cells typically have a uniform shape and size compared to normal cells.
Cancer cells typically have a uniform shape and size compared to normal cells.
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An _______ is inserted into the colon during a procedure for cancer screening.
An _______ is inserted into the colon during a procedure for cancer screening.
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What is one of the main goals of cancer treatment?
What is one of the main goals of cancer treatment?
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Chemotherapy is only administered through injections, not orally.
Chemotherapy is only administered through injections, not orally.
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Name one type of specialist involved in a cancer treatment team.
Name one type of specialist involved in a cancer treatment team.
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______ therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
______ therapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
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Match the cancer treatment with its primary feature:
Match the cancer treatment with its primary feature:
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Under what circumstances is surgery often preferred?
Under what circumstances is surgery often preferred?
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Radiation therapy is effective because cancer cells are more susceptible to damage due to their rapid division.
Radiation therapy is effective because cancer cells are more susceptible to damage due to their rapid division.
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What are common side effects of chemotherapy?
What are common side effects of chemotherapy?
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Study Notes
Biophotonics in Cancer Treatment
- Biophotonics utilizes beams of light for cancer detection and treatment.
- The method offers high sensitivity for early cancer detection.
- It minimizes side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy, due to precise targeting of cancerous tissue.
University of Toronto and Research Hub
- The University of Toronto plays a significant role in biophotonics research.
Importance of Research
- Scientific research and technological advancements are critical for understanding cell biology.
- Canadian researchers are at the forefront of developing improved methods for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Specialized Cells
- The cell theory states that all cells originate from pre-existing cells.
- Every organism, including humans and trees, starts as a single fertilized egg or cell.
- Cells in complex organisms exhibit diversity in structure and function, performing specialized tasks.
- Specialized cells have unique physical and chemical properties that allow them to excel in specific functions.
- Cell specialization involves changes in both form and function, leading to significant differences in appearance among specialized cells.
- Animal cells demonstrate a wide range of specializations, both internally and externally.
Muscle Cells
- Muscle cells contain numerous mitochondria to produce the energy required for contraction and movement.
Stem Cells
- Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can develop into various cell types.
- Stem cells stored at birth from the umbilical cord have the potential to address future medical needs, though preserving them is complex.
- Environmental contamination or harmful signals can disrupt normal development.
Multicellular Organisms
- Organisms can reproduce asexually, creating offspring with the same DNA as the parent.
- Organisms can also reproduce sexually, combining DNA from two parents.
- Gametes, or sex cells, contain half the DNA of normal cells.
- Gamete formation occurs via meiosis which is a special type of cell division.
- Sexual reproduction results in offspring inheriting characteristics from both parents.
Growth as a Characteristic of Life
- Organisms grow primarily through increasing the number of cells.
- Cells need energy sources, nutrients, and water to grow.
- Cells need to remove waste products like carbon dioxide in order to function properly.
Why Does the Cell Number Increase as Organisms Grow?
- Growth requires an increase in cell number due to the complexity of organisms.
- Nutrients and waste can't move in and out of a large cell efficiently.
- The DNA in the nucleus becomes overloaded with demands.
- Cell division ensures each new cell receives a copy of DNA, preventing overload.
Chemical Movement in Cells
- Chemicals necessary for cell growth and activity enter through the cell membrane.
- Chemicals move via diffusion from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration.
- Diffusion helps distribute vital substances throughout the cell.
Concentration
- Concentration is the amount of solute (substance) in a given volume of solution.
- Understanding concentration is essential for understanding diffusion.
Genetic Material
- DNA exists as long, thin, invisible strands.
- Before cell division, DNA strands are duplicated to create two identical strands.
- Additional organelles are formed during this preparation phase.
Cell Division
- Cell division occurs in two main stages: mitosis (nucleus division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).
- The result is two genetically identical cells called daughter cells.
Phases of Mitosis
- Mitosis involves four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- Cells transition through these phases gradually.
Prophase
- Prophase is the beginning of mitosis after interphase.
- Long strands of DNA condense into visible chromosomes during this phase.
- Each chromosome contains two identical strands (sister chromatids) connected at a region called the centromere.
- The nuclear membrane breaks down during prophase to allow access to the chromosomes for division.
Metaphase
- During metaphase, chromosomes line up along the middle of the cell.
- It is easily recognizable due to the distinct arrangement of the chromosomes.
- All chromosomes must be properly aligned for mitosis to proceed to the next phase.
Anaphase
- The centromere splits during anaphase, separating the sister chromatids.
- The separated sister chromatids are now called daughter chromosomes.
- Daughter chromosomes move to opposite sides of the cell.
Telophase
- Telophase is the last phase of mitosis.
- Daughter chromosomes stretch out, become thinner, and are no longer visible.
Cell Growth Rates and Cancer
- Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, ignoring signals to stop growing.
- Checkpoints may fail to detect problems or eliminate malfunctioning cells.
Tumor Formation
- Benign tumors form a mass of cells that may remain together and not seriously affect surrounding tissues.
- They are not cancerous, but they can grow large enough to crowd nearby cells and disrupt their function.
- Malignant tumors interfere with neighboring cells and tissues, impacting functions.
- They are considered cancerous and can destroy surrounding tissues.
Metastasis
- Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and spread to other parts of the body.
- This is known as a secondary tumor.
- Metastasis is a major factor contributing to the danger of cancer.
Causes of Cancer
- Each time a cell divides, its DNA is accurately duplicated.
- Mutations are random changes in DNA.
- Mutations can lead to cell death or allow the cell to survive, grow, and divide.
- Cancerous cells can proliferate as a result of mutations.
- Cancer cells multiply until nutrients are depleted.
Carcinogens
- Carcinogens are environmental factors that can lead to cancer.
- Common carcinogens include: tobacco smoke, radiation, certain viruses, chemicals in plastics, and organic solvents.
- Not everyone exposed to carcinogens will develop cancer.
Hereditary Cancers
- Some cancers have a hereditary component, meaning DNA passed from parents can increase an individuals risk of developing cancer such as some forms of breast and colon cancer.
Lifestyle Choices
- A healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and less fatty meat can help lower the risk of cancer.
- Certain "superfoods" contain protective substances beneficial for cancer prevention.
- Consuming whole foods over supplements is more effective for cancer prevention.
- Higher body fat can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Diagnosing Cancer
- Tumors may cause swelling, discomfort, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
- Early cancer detection significantly improves treatment success.
- Diagnostic tests include blood tests and imaging techniques.
Imaging Technologies
- Endoscopy is used for colon cancer screening.
- X-rays are used for imaging bones, lungs, and breast tissue.
- Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissues.
- CT scans use multiple X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.
- MRIs use radio waves and a magnetic field for highly detailed images and 3D models.
Examining Cells
- Cell samples are examined under a microscope to confirm cancer, often following abnormal test results from other diagnostic techniques.
- Blood samples can be used to identify blood cancers like leukemia.
- A tumor biopsy involves surgically removing tumor cells for examination.
- If the cells are non-cancerous, the tumor is classified as benign.
- Cancer cells often differ in shape and structure from normal cells.
- Cancer cells, with their irregular shape and inconsistent size, are identifiable by trained professionals.
Next Steps After Diagnosis
- Doctors determine the origin of the cancer, tumor size and growth rate, and whether it has spread.
- This information guides treatment options and helps predict outcomes.
Treatments of Cancer
- The goals of cancer treatment are to slow down tumor growth or destroy as many cancer cells as possible.
- Main cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and biophotonics.
- Treatment plans involve one or a combination of these treatment methods based on the type and stage of cancer.
Cancer Treatment Team
- Specialists involved in a cancer treatment plan include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and oncology nurses.
Surgery
- Surgery involves physically removing cancerous tissue.
- It is often preferred when the tumor is accessible in location and can be clearly separated from surrounding tissues.
Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy uses drugs to treat cancer by slowing or stopping cancer cell division and spread as well as killing cancer cells throughout the body.
- Chemotherapy drugs are administered via injection or orally.
- Common side effects include hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
- Chemotherapy is often used as an initial treatment step to shrink tumors for easier surgical removal or to prepare for radiation.
- Chemotherapy drugs circulate throughout the body, targeting both large and small tumors.
Radiation
- Radiation therapy targets cancer cells, which are more susceptible to damage from ionizing radiation due to their rapid division.
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Description
This quiz explores the role of biophotonics in cancer detection and treatment, emphasizing its high sensitivity and minimal side effects compared to traditional methods. It also highlights the contributions of the University of Toronto and the significance of research in understanding cell biology. Test your knowledge on cancer treatment technologies and specialized cells.