Cancer Biology

Question 1

What is an Exon

Answer 1

portion of a gene that codes for amino acids this is the genetic code that is expressed

Question 2

Genotype

Answer 2

the genetic composition of an individual

Question 3

Phenotype

Answer 3

observable characteristic of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment

Question 4

Epigenetics

Answer 4

the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression rather than alteration of the genetic code itself
ex: age, environment, lifestyle, socioeconomic factors, disease state

Question 5

Why do cells divide?

Answer 5

reproduction, growth and repair
we all have mutation of cells and we have repair cells that locate the mutation and then destroy the mutated cell by apoptosis

Question 6

G1 in cell cycle

Answer 6

Growth phase– protein synthesis normal process to keep body in homeostasis

Question 7

S in cell cycle

Answer 7

DNA replication

Question 8

G2 in cell cycle

Answer 8

microtubule formation create foundation sells that pull apart

Question 9

G0

Answer 9

quiescent phase

Question 10

What is cancer

Answer 10

abnormal cell division and growth (neoplasia)
Cancer is not just one disease it is many over 100 different types of cancer

Question 11

What are the top 3 cancers?

Answer 11

1. Prostate/breast
2. Lung
3. Colon

Question 12

Proto-oncogenes and Oncogenes in relation to cancer

Answer 12

increase risk of cancer
-genes that are expressed at high levels in tumor cells
-genes regulate cell proliferation and differentiation
-inhibit cell programmed death

Question 13

Tumor suppressor gene (anti-oncogenes) in relation to cancer

Answer 13

decrease risk of cancer
-inhibit cell proliferation and growth
-halt cell division if DNA is damaged
-allow DNA to be repaired if damage or mutation is minor
-if damage is significant they trigger apoptosis

Question 14

DNA repair genes in relation to cancer

Answer 14

fix damage to mutated DNA
if problem leads to more mutation

Question 15

What causes Cancers?

Answer 15

genetics: BRCA 1/2 breast cancer
environmental factors: chemicals, radiation, lifestyle factors, smoking
invading organisms: HPV can cause cervical cancer

Many cancers are believed to be due to a combination of these factors.

Question 16

The 6 hallmarks of Cancer

Answer 16

1. Self sufficient growth signals
2. resistance to anti-growth signals
3. immortality
4. resistance to cell death
5. sustained angiogenesis
6. invasion and metastasis

Question 17

Define the origin of each
Carcinoma
Leukemia
Lymphoma
Myeloma
Sarcoma

Answer 17

Carcinoma: epithelial tissue of the the organ
Leukemia: bone marrow
Lymphoma: lymphatic tissue
Myeloma: bone marrow
Sarcoma: connective tissue

Question 18

Benign

Answer 18

Benign: slow growth: non-invasive, no metastasis
-do not spread into or invade other tissues
-usually not life threatening

Question 19

Malignant

Answer 19

malignant- rapid growth, invasive, potential for metastasis
have increased risk of growing back

Question 20

Staging of Cancer TNM

Answer 20

describes the severity of a persons cancer based on the extent of the primary tumor and weather or not cancer has metastasized
staging is important for several reasons: treatment, prognosis, common terminology

Question 21

Describe TNM of staging a cancer

Answer 21

T= tumor size
Tx- tumor cannot be evaluated
T0- no evidence of tumor
T1-4- increasing size of tumor

N= spread to regional lymph nodes
Nx- lymph node cannot be evaluated
N0- no lymph node involvement
N1-3- increasing involvement of regional lymph nodes

M= presence of metastasis
M0- no distant metastasis
M1- distant metastasis

Question 22

Tumor Grades

Answer 22

Gx- grade cannot be assessed
G1- well differentiated slow growing, tissues appears close to normal
G2- moderately differentiated
G3- poorly differentiated
G4- undifferentiated

Question 23

Defining stages of development for cancer Acute and Chronic

Answer 23

Acute: immature, undifferentiated cells— more severe
Chronic: mature, differentiated cells

Question 24

Difference between Myeloid and Lymphoid Cell lines

Answer 24

Myeloid: leukemia of granulocytes
Lymphoid: involves lymphocytes and plasma cells
B lymphocytes are antibodies

Question 25

Leukemia

Answer 25

Leukemia: cancer cell originates in the bone marrow and is mainly found in the blood

Question 26

Lymphoma

Answer 26

Lymphoma: cancer originates in the lymph nodes and is found in the lymphatic system

Question 27

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Answer 27

involves matured differentiated (chronic)
Lymphocytes that have originated in the bone marrow and found in the blood stream (leukemia)

Question 28

Multiple Myeloma

Answer 28

Diseases of the plasma cells of the immune system
plasma cells secrete antibodies
originates in the bone marrow
Symptoms:
-pain
-bruising
-lytic bone lesions/fractures