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Cancer biology exam 1 questions (updated & already graded A+).
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Cancer biology exam 1 questions (updated & already graded A+).
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Cancer biology exam 1questions 2025-2026(updated
& already graded A+)
What is cancer? - answer Cancer is an aberration of
normal development. Cancer cells exhibit behaviors found
in normal cells during development and differentiation,
but they behave independently and don't "obey" controls -
that's the only difference between them and normal cells.
Cells become highly organized into different
compartments at some point in life. Cancer develops
through gradual changes in cell morphology and
properties. Cells go from tightly adhered -> not as tightly
adhered and now overlapping boundaries -> "carcinoma" -
> "cancer"
Tumor vs. Carcinoma vs. Cancer - answer "tumor" is just
an abnormal growth of solid tissue.
"carcinoma" is cancer of the epithelia - it is benign
because it hasn't metastasized yet.
"cancer" is invasive, cells have disrespected boarder and
can now enter bloodstream - it is malignant.
Metastasis - answer The development of secondary
malignant growths at a distance from the primary site.
Not what kills you! What kills you is the lack of function of
normal cells. The route of the pulmonary system
determines the tendency of primary tumors to affect
certain other tissues.
,Properties of cancer cells - answer 1. Cancer cells are
"immortalized" -
2. Cancer cells do not form differentiated tissues
3. Cancer cells escape apoptosis
4. Cancer cells are invasive
Explain how cancer cells are "immortalized" - answer Most
normal cells have a limited potential to divide - telomere
shortening will drive cells into senescence. Cancer cells
are similar to stem cells in that they can divide
indefinitely, but stem cells are under tight control and
their daughter cells are already partially differentiated.
Cancer cells have no control and their daughter cells have
the same potential.
Explain what it means to say cancer cells do not form
differentiated tissues - answer Cancer cells' daughter cells
posses the same potential as they, to continue dividing
indefinitely without differentiation, or the possibility of
reaching senescence. Cancer is clonal - they are identical
cells derived from the same cell.
Explain what it means to say cancer cells escape apoptosis
- answer Normal cells may undergo apoptosis a) as part of
a developmental program or b) when cells become
"dangerous" (such as DNA damage). Cancer cells receive
the same signals, they just don't listen to them.
Explain what it means to say cancer cells are invasive -
answer Cancer cells do not obey their boundaries and will
, invade into surrounding tissue. Normal cells can be
invasive at the right time and place - such as a wbc
chasing and engulfing a bacteria.
Cancer cells are clonal - answer The cells all come from
one common ancestor. One mutation may allow further
mutations to take place - this microevolution is needed for
cancer cells to survive.
What causes cancer? - answer Cancer is an accumulation
of mutations. The main component of formation is
mutations in somatic cells, but you need more than one
thing to go wrong in order to cause cancer.
- random mutations (mistakes in the assembly line)
- inherited mutations (pre-disposition)
- viral infections, i.e. HPV
- environmental factors (chemical or physical), i.e.
smoking, UV radiation
1st evidence for environmental effects on cancer? -
answer Skin cancer in chimney sweeps - baths helped.
Lead to the discovery of carcinogens.
Carcinogen - answer Carcinogens are agents that
contribute to the formation of a tumor - they are
chemicals that can directly induce cancer.
Carcinogens are not the same thing as mutagens, which
can sometimes lead to cancer but not always.
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