2.5 changes to a cells DNA Flashcards
(8 cards)
Mutations
-A change in the DNA or the genetic code of a cell
-can be classified as beneficial, neutral, or harmful
-Genetic diseases are caused by harmful mutations: changes in the protein that is produced in a gene of DNA, which intern causes changes to how the body functions
Ex. Cystic fibrosis.
Cancer
-harmful mutations may cause cancer
-cancer is a disease in which cells very rapidly and uncontrollably
-A mutation in the genes that control the cell division process in the cell cycle causes cell division to go out of control
-the mutation gets passed on to the daughter cells, since the DNA of the parent cells duplicated in the daughter cells
-so the daughter sells divide uncontrollably as well
Benign tumours
-masses of cells that grow but stay in one place and usually do not interfere with the normal functioning of the surrounding tissue or organ
Ex. Warts.
-Benign tumours can usually be removed by surgery
Malignant tumours
-They invade the surrounding tissue and interfere with the normal functions of the tissues and organs
Metastasis
Spread of cancer cells away from their original location
Carcinogen
Any substance that can cause cancer
Examples of carcinogens
-asbestos
-certain pesticides
-x-rays
-some viruses
-chemicals in tobacco
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Treating cancer
-some cancers can be treated quite successfully if they are diagnosed early
-Surgery can remove tumours before the cells metastasize
-radiation can be used to kill cancer cells by disrupting cell division in the rapidly dividing cancer cells
-Chemotherapy involves using drugs to stop the cancer cells from dividing
-Chemotherapy and radiation also kill some fast, growing healthy cells, such as skin and hair cells, in addition to the cancer cells.
-radiation therapy and chemotherapy therefore produces some unpleasant side effects such as radiation burns, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting
