Cancer Unit Part 1: Cellular Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the main characteristic of cancer?

Controlled growth of cells

Normal differentiation of cells

Uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells (correct)

Stabilization of cell functions

Which of the following factors influences the likelihood of developing cancer?

Diet alone

Only genetics

Only age

Age, lifestyle, and genetics (correct)

What is the function of the checkpoints in the cell cycle?

To increase protein synthesis

To monitor DNA integrity and control cell division (correct)

To enhance the rate of DNA replication

To promote cell growth

Which phase of the cell cycle is responsible for DNA replication?

S Phase Signup and view all the answers

What role do tumor suppressor genes play in cell function?

They regulate cell growth and division Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer affect the physiological functions of the body?

It disrupts normal tissue function and may lead to organ failure Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the G1/S checkpoint of the cell cycle?

Ensures DNA is undamaged before replication Signup and view all the answers

What role do tumor suppressor genes like BRCA1 and p53 play in cellular health?

Repairing DNA damage and preventing cancer Signup and view all the answers

What component of the cell is primarily responsible for controlling its functions?

Nucleus Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of mitosis involves chromosomes aligning in the middle of the cell?

Metaphase Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which cells develop specific functions known as?

Cellular specialization (differentiation) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of enzymes in cellular activities?

To speed up chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How do mutations in proto-oncogenes lead to cancer?

They become oncogenes that drive excessive cell proliferation Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids separate?

Anaphase Signup and view all the answers

In which stage is DNA transcribed to mRNA?

Transcription Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of growth factors on cell division?

They promote cell division and growth Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the growth of cancer cells compared to normal cells?

Cancer cells exhibit unregulated growth and evasion of normal cell death. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cancer cells?

High degree of specialization Signup and view all the answers

What factors are used in the TNM staging system of cancer?

Tumor size, lymph node involvement, metastasis Signup and view all the answers

How do cancer cells promote angiogenesis?

Through the release of growth factors Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes how cancer can lead to death?

Cancer disrupts organ function and depletes resources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of cancer cells reverting to a less specialized state?

Increased mobility and potential for metastasis Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT commonly used for detecting the presence of cancer in the body?

Physical exercise assessment Signup and view all the answers

How does cancer affect body chemistry?

It causes imbalances in electrolytes and hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of genetic tests in relation to cancer risk?

To identify mutations in genes associated with cancer risks Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique uses sound waves for evaluation?

Ultrasound Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action for alkylating agents in chemotherapy?

They damage DNA to prevent cancer cell replication Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key ways external radiation is utilized in cancer treatment?

It targets the cancerous area with precision Signup and view all the answers

How do topoisomerase inhibitors function in cancer treatment?

They inhibit enzymes essential for DNA replication Signup and view all the answers

Which type of immune cells is primarily utilized in CAR-T therapy for cancer treatment?

T-cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cancer vaccines in the context of cancer treatment?

To stimulate the immune system to target cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

What does gene editing aim to achieve in the context of cancer treatment?

To modify or correct faulty genes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cancer Overview

Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and division of abnormal cells, capable of invading nearby tissues and metastasizing to different body parts.
In the U.S., the lifetime risk of developing cancer is approximately 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women, influenced by age, lifestyle, and genetics.

Cellular Mechanisms of Cancer

Mutations in regulatory genes (tumor suppressor genes and proto-oncogenes) lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
Normal cell functions are managed by DNA in the nucleus, which contains genetic instructions for cell activities.

Major Cell Components and Functions

Nucleus: Stores genetic information.
Mitochondria: Produces energy.
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Synthesizes proteins and lipids.
Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.
Plasma Membrane: Regulates substance entry and exit.
Cytoplasm: Contains organelles necessary for cellular function.

Specialization and Cell Function

Specialization (or differentiation) allows cells to perform unique functions based on their structure (e.g., nerve vs. muscle cells).
Enzymes act as biological catalysts, expediting chemical reactions such as metabolism and protein synthesis.

Gene Expression and the Cell Cycle

Information in DNA is stored in the sequence of nucleotide bases, which dictates protein synthesis.
Gene expression occurs in two stages: transcription (DNA to mRNA) and translation (mRNA to protein).
The cell cycle includes checkpoints that monitor DNA integrity and prevent uncontrolled cell replication through repair mechanisms or apoptosis.

Mitosis and Chromosomal Function

Stages of mitosis include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
Chromosomes, made of DNA and proteins, ensure accurate DNA replication and distribution during cell division.

Mutations and Cancer Development

Mutations in genes like BRCA1 and p53 compromise DNA repair, leading to cancer development by allowing unregulated cell growth.
Proto-oncogene mutations convert them into oncogenes, driving excessive cell division.
The alteration of DNA base sequences can produce dysfunctional proteins that contribute to cancer.

Characteristics of Cancer Cells

Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth, evasion of apoptosis, the ability to invade tissues, and genetic instability.
They often lose specialization, reverting to a less differentiated state, promoting mobility and metastasis.

Cancer Staging and Impact

Cancer is staged using the TNM system, assessing tumor size, lymph node spread, and metastasis.
Stage 1 cancer is localized, while stages 2 to 4 indicate increasing size and spread to lymph nodes or distant organs, respectively.
Cancer disrupts organ function and can lead to death by depleting bodily resources and causing organ failure.

Cancer Detection

Detection methods include imaging (MRI, CT scans), biopsies, blood analyses, and genetic testing for mutations associated with heightened cancer risk.

Treatment Strategies

Chemotherapy employs drugs to target and kill cancer cells.
Alkylating agents: Cause DNA damage to halt cancer cell replication.
Alkaloids: Disrupt microtubule formation during cell division.
Topoisomerase inhibitors: Block enzymes crucial for DNA replication.

Radiation Therapy

External Radiation: High-energy rays focused on tumors from outside the body.
Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Radioactive materials are positioned within or near the tumor.

Innovative Cancer Therapies

Gene editing, immunotherapy, and targeted drug delivery present future treatment possibilities.
Immune cells like T-cells (CAR-T therapy), natural killer cells, and dendritic cells are being employed in cancer immunotherapy.
Vaccines can train the immune system to combat cancer cells or protect against viruses that may cause cancer.

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Description

Explore the basics of cancer in this quiz! Learn about what cancer is, its definitions, and the factors that contribute to its development in individuals. This quiz will enhance your understanding of cellular functions related to cancer.