Oncogenes and Cancer Quiz

A chain of proteins that transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus to regulate cell growth and division.

The process where a normal cell becomes a tumor cell due to genetic changes occurring via a mutation, which could be in a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene.

Genes that normally prevent the uncontrolled growth of cells. Mutations in these genes can lead to cancer.

Genes that promote normal cell growth and division. Mutations in oncogenes can lead to cancer.

A group of cells that are genetically identical and descended from a single ancestor cell.

The gradual accumulation of more genetic changes in a tumor cell, resulting in increased malignancy.

The presence of multiple different genetic changes within a tumor, making it more difficult to treat.

Changes in tumor cells that allow them to grow and spread more effectively, giving them an advantage over normal cells.

A molecule that stimulates cell growth and division.

The process by which a signal from outside the cell is relayed inside the cell to trigger a specific response.

A signaling protein involved in signal transduction.

A specific type of RAS protein often mutated in colon cancer.

A signaling protein often mutated in melanoma.

A protein that controls the progression of the cell cycle.

The state of a cell that has become cancerous, capable of uncontrolled growth and spreading to other tissues.

Changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to altered gene function and potentially cancer development.

The combined impact of multiple genetic alterations over time, contributing to cancer development.

Cancers that run in families, often due to an inherited mutated gene.

The initial genetic alteration inherited from a parent in familial cancers.

A gene that regulates cell cycle progression by inhibiting transcription factors, preventing uncontrolled cell growth.

The second genetic alteration that occurs in the same gene, leading to loss of function and cancer development.

Both copies of a gene are mutated, leading to complete loss of function.

A hypothesized series of genetic changes that occur in epithelial cells, leading to the development of cancer, starting with a benign adenoma and progressing to invasive carcinoma.

Cancer cells that have spread from the original tumor site to other parts of the body.

The initial genetic alteration, often inherited from a parent, that can lead to the development of cancer. This mutation may affect a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene.

The combined impact of multiple genetic alterations that occur over time in a tumor, contributing to its progression towards malignancy.

Cancer development involves a series of genetic changes and selection of subclones with growth advantages, similar to evolution.

Cancer progression can take many years, from the initial genetic alteration to the formation of a metastatic tumor.

An overgrowth of epithelial tissue that contains cancerous genetic mutations. It's a precancerous growth, but not malignant yet.

A specific type of polyp carrying neoplastic mutations. It can develop into cancer if left untreated.

Polyps need additional genetic changes to become malignant. These changes allow them to invade surrounding tissues, spread, and reach the bloodstream.

Colonoscopies help early detection of polyps. Removing polyps before they turn malignant greatly reduces cancer risk.

Cancers contain different subclones, each with unique mutations. This diversity makes treatment challenging.

Cancer cells accumulate mutations over time, and the most advantageous cells survive and reproduce, leading to a more aggressive tumor.

Cancer is genetically diverse. Drugs targeting specific mutations will only work against a small subset of tumors.

A universal cure for cancer. It's difficult to develop because of cancer's genetic diversity.

Cells with abnormal characteristics, such as irregular shapes, sizes, and arrangements, indicating potential genetic alterations. They are often associated with dysplasias.

An abnormal growth pattern of cells where they exhibit atypical features but are still confined to their tissue of origin. It's a precursor lesion for cancers, suggesting they may develop into malignancy but haven't yet.

A type of dysplasia in epithelial tissues where the abnormal cells are confined to the original layer and haven't invaded surrounding tissues.

Abnormal cell growths that precede and potentially lead to the development of cancer. They are often localized to their tissue of origin.

A group of cells derived from a single ancestor cell that has undergone genetic changes, resulting in abnormal growth and potentially leading to cancer.

The capacity of a cell or tissue to invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant locations, characteristic of cancerous cells.

Cells that have broken through their original tissue barrier and spread into surrounding tissues.

The spread of cancer cells from their original site to distant locations in the body.