Cancer Biology and Pathophysiology Quiz

The process of cell division, where a parent cell divides into two daughter cells with the same genetic material.

The process where cells become specialized for a specific function, forming tissues and organs.

Programmed cell death, a controlled process of cell suicide, eliminating damaged or unwanted cells.

A protein that regulates the checkpoints in the cell cycle, preventing abnormal cell growth. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can lead to uncontrolled cell division.

A sequence of DNA at the end of a chromosome, that shortens with each cell division, acting like a 'clock' for the cell's lifespan. When telomeres become too short, cells stop dividing.

A factor that stimulates cell division, triggering the cell cycle.

Points within the cell cycle where key events are checked for proper completion. If there are errors, cell division can be halted or the cell may undergo apoptosis.

Cancer cells produce hormones or hormone-like proteins, causing disruptions in bodily functions.

Cancer cells can increase or decrease the production of normal organ secretions, disrupting organ function.

A common consequence of tumor growth, where pressure on blood vessels restricts blood flow, causing swelling and other complications.

Weight loss, muscle wasting, weakness, loss of appetite, and anemia are common symptoms of this syndrome.

Various diagnostic techniques like urine/stool tests, cytology, histology, and blood tests are used to identify specific types of cancer.

Anaplasia is a hallmark of cancer cells, characterized by a loss of normal cell differentiation and the acquisition of a more primitive, undifferentiated state. This means that the cancer cells lose their specialized features and functions, resembling immature or embryonic cells.

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes involved in regulating cell growth and division. When they mutate, these genes are called oncogenes. Oncogenes can promote uncontrolled cell growth and contribute to the development of cancer.

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that act as brakes on cell division. They help prevent uncontrolled cell growth by stopping or repairing damaged cells. Loss of function in tumor suppressor genes can contribute to cancer development.

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death process that eliminates damaged or unwanted cells in a controlled manner. It is essential in maintaining a healthy cell population and preventing cancer development.

Genetic instability refers to an increased rate of mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cells. This instability leads to rapid evolution of the cancer and makes treatment more challenging.

DNA repair genes are responsible for repairing damaged DNA. Mutations in these genes can lead to an accumulation of DNA errors, increasing the risk of cancer development.

Contact inhibition is a normal cell property that prevents cells from dividing when they come into contact with other cells. Cancer cells often lose contact inhibition and continue to divide, forming tumors.

Immortalization is a process where cells become capable of unlimited division. Cancer cells achieve immortality by circumventing the normal mechanisms that limit cell lifespan.

Growth factors are proteins that bind to receptors on the cell surface and stimulate cell division. Cancer cells often produce their own growth factors, leading to uncontrolled growth.

Genes that promote cell division and growth. They are normal genes but become mutated versions of themselves when they develop errors in the gene's structure.

Oncogenes are formed from mutated proto-oncogenes and can cause a variety of changes that promote cancer development.

These are genes that normally suppress or inhibit cell division and growth. They act as 'brakes' in the cell cycle, preventing uncontrolled growth.

These genes often act as 'gatekeepers' that stop the cell cycle at specific checkpoints, preventing the replication of damaged cells. Mutations in these genes can lead to the development of cancer.

When a tumor suppressor gene is mutated, it can lose its ability to control cell division, allowing cancerous cells to grow and spread unchecked. This is why a loss of the p53 gene, known as the 'guardian genome', greatly increases the risk of metastasis.

They are factors that can influence the development of cancer. Heredity, hormone levels, and immune system function are examples of host factors. Environmental factors include exposure to carcinogens, radiation, and certain lifestyle choices.

Inherited mutations in genes can significantly increase the risk of cancer. Examples include BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations linked to breast and ovarian cancers, and mutations in the p53 gene increasing the risk of various cancers.

Hormones, particularly those linked to the reproductive system, can play a role in cancer development, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Studies suggest that hormones may promote the proliferation of malignant cells.

A key function of the immune system is to identify and eliminate abnormal cells, including cancerous cells. However, in certain situations, the immune system may be weakened, making individuals more susceptible to cancer development.

Immune-suppressed individuals, those with weakened immune systems due to factors like HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or certain medications, are at a higher risk of developing cancers. The weakened immune system struggles to effectively fight off cancerous cells.

Proteins found on the surface of tumor cells that are recognized by the immune system.

A chemical agent that can cause cancer by directly or indirectly affecting the body's metabolism.

Carcinogens that can cause normally harmless substances to become carcinogenic.

Exposure to radiation, especially ionizing radiation, has been linked to cancer development.

Exposure to sunlight or other sources of UV radiation can cause cancer.

Viruses that can induce cancer by inserting their own DNA into host cells.

The ability of the immune system to recognize and destroy tumor cells that have developed antigens.

Any process that reduces or eliminates the ability of the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells, such as immunosuppressive drugs or HIV.

The study of the causes of disease, including cancer, focusing on factors like diet, environment and genetics.

An abnormal growth of cells that can invade surrounding tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body.