Cancer genetics Flashcards
(8 cards)
1
Q
cancer
A
- a condition where cells in a specific body part grow and divide uncontrollably
2
Q
metastasis
A
- cancer beginning in one part of the body before spreading to other areas
3
Q
acquired mutations
A
- arise during an individuals lifetime, due to environmental impacts or age
- mutations in cells in one part of the body leads to unregulated cell division & formation of a tumour
- ‘spontaneous’ cancer
- 95% cancer
4
Q
germline mutation
A
- inherited mutation in either sperm or egg
- ‘hereditary’ cancer
5
Q
hereditary cancer identified in families where:
A
- multiple family members have cancer
- members have more than one type
- individuals have same or related types
- more rare cancers
- develops at young ages
6
Q
genes involved in cancer
A
- oncogenes
- tumour suppressor genes
7
Q
oncogenes
A
- mutated genes that have the potential to cause cancer
- ‘proto-oncogenes’ before mutated
- typically dormant acting
- produce factors regulating the cell cycle
8
Q
tumour supressor genes
A
- normally limit how much a cell can grow
- inhibit cancerous processes
- tend to be recessive - give a predisposition to cancer
