Gene expression and cancer

Question 1

Cancer

Answer 1

• Group of diseases caused by damage to the genes that regulate mitosis and the cell cycle
  = Unrestrained growth of cells - tumour

Question 2

Types of tumour

Answer 2

• Malignant

- Benign

Question 3

Malignant

Answer 3

• Can grow large
• Grow rapidly
• Cell nucleus is often larger + darker = abundance of DNA
• Unspecialised/ de-differentiated
• Don’t produce adhesion molecules - spread by metastasis = secondary tumours
• Not surrounded by capsule - finger like projections into tissue
• Life-threatening - abnormal tissue replace normal tissue
• Systemic effects (whole-body) - weight loss and fatigue
• Removal = radiotherapy/ chemotherapy/ surgery
• Reoccur frequently - after treatment

Question 4

Benign tumours

Answer 4

• Can grow large
• Grow slowly
• Cell nucleu