Cancer

Question 1

Define Mitosis

Answer 1

(asexual reproduction) replaces worn-out cells with fresh duplicates

Question 2

Define Meiosis

Answer 2

(sexual reproduction) generates sperm and eggs and a great deal of variation

Question 3

How does a cell know how old it is?

Answer 3

The “cell division counter” is a section of non-coding, repetitive DNA, called a telomere, that serves as a protective cap and is located at each tip of every chromosome

Question 4

Are mutations in somatic cells heritable?

Answer 4

No because somatic cells don’t undergo meiosis therefore are not passed onto the offspring

Question 5

Are mutations in gametes heritable?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

Define neutral mutations

Answer 6

Mutation occurs in non-coding regions of the DNA and/or mutation does not affect the protein coded by that gene (due to redundant code)

Question 7

Define negative mutation

Answer 7

The mutation results in a gene product (protein) that is no longer normal

Question 8

Define beneficial mutation

Answer 8

The gene change creates a protein that facilitates survival and reproduction (promotes survival of the fittest)

Question 9

What factors control cell division?

Answer 9

1 the presence of essential nutrients,
2 growth signals, proteins that stimulate division,
3 contact inhibition, in which crowded cells stop dividing, and
4 anchorage dependence, the need for cells to be in contact with a solid surface to divide.

Question 10

How does cancer usually cause death?

Answer 10

A growing tumor can impinge on other cells and tissues, disrupting functions and even causing death.

Question 11

A benign tumor differs from a malignant tumor in that a benign tumor 
A is cancerous.
B spreads from the original site.
C does not metastasize.
D never causes health problems.

Answer 11

C