Summary
Summary Cancer (BIOLOGY)
- Module
- Bio (BIOLOGY)
- Institution
- Newham Sixth Form College (NEWVIc)
cancerous cells; development, types, scientific analysis and research
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FINAL ASSIGNMENTIntroduction:
Cancer-related death is primarily caused by metastatic diseases. As tumours
develop, tumour cells acquire genetic mutations and co-opt their microenvironment,
the movement of these tumours around the body is referred to as metastasis.
Metastatic progression involves numerous stages, during which cancer cells break
off the primary tumour and spread through the body to form tumours at new
locations. Invasion and migration are where cancer cells penetrate the basal
membrane and travel either as single cells or as a lump of cells. In intravasation, the
tumour cells fuse within the vessel walls and enter the bloodstream, where platelets
act as binding sites which target cancer cells by flagging them. As many cancer cells
die during this procedure, the ones that survive leave via extravasation and establish
a pre-metastatic niche; thereby altering their environment. Finally, colonisation at
secondary tumour sites is the terminal stage needed for a cancer cell to form and
successfully colonise organ sites.
Research Question:
For my research I aim to control the cell division pattern of the cancer cells
concerning the normal cells and comprehend how the cell shape and sizes allow us
to distinguish between cancerous and normal cells. Moreover, understanding the
concept of having to use an extremely high resolution microscope to observe cells.
, Research Method:
Cells are extremely small to be seen by the naked eye, hence a high-resolution
microscope must be used when observing cancer cells. Therefore, rather than using
a light electron microscope, we need to use a scanning electron microscope. This is
because light microscopes generate a picture of a specimen using a beam of light,
whereas electron microscopes use a beam of electrons. Since electrons have a far
shorter wavelength than visible light, it means that they can create pictures with
better resolution than traditional light microscopes. It is also possible to use electron
microscopes to look at individual cells as well as their subcellular components and
compartments; which is what we’re interested in as with this, we’re able to clearly
observe their shape and surface texture in clear detail. One limitation, however, is
that samples for electron microscopy must be held under vacuum. Consequently, live
cells cannot be imaged as a result. When observing a lump of cells under a
microscope, we should consider the size and shape of the cells. Cancer cells
frequently have abnormalities in their size and structure overall. They might be
bigger or smaller than typical cells. Normal cells frequently have certain shapes that
aid in their function. Cancer cells frequently have deformed forms and typically
perform poorly. Cancer cells frequently differ in size and form from normal cells,
which may share similar characteristics. Additionally, the nucleus is the core of the
cell and holds the DNA. A cancer cell's nucleus is frequently irregular in size and
form. A cancer cell's nucleus is often bigger and darker than that of a normal cell,
and its size can differ significantly. Another characteristic of a cancer cell's nucleus is
that it appears darker under a microscope after being stained with particular dyes; a
cancer cell's nucleus appears bigger and darker because it contains an excess of
DNA. At last, by closely observing and taking into account all the factors which
determine a cell is cancerous, it is fair to conclude that nothing further needs to be
looked into.
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