[39] Cancer Biochemistry

Question 1

What does the term “Cancer Biochemistry” refer to?

Answer 1

It refers to the study of biochemical processes related to the onset and progression of cancer.

Question 2

What is cancer?

Answer 2

An uncontrolled growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissues.

Question 3

Name some key biochemical processes involved in cancer.

Answer 3

1. Oncogene activation
2. Tumor suppressor gene inhibition
3. Metabolic reprogramming
4. Angiogenesis
5. Metastasis

Question 4

What are oncogenes?

Answer 4

Genes that have the potential to cause cancer when they are activated or expressed at high levels.

Question 5

What is the role of oncogenes in cancer?

Answer 5

Oncogenes promote cell growth and division. When they are mutated or overexpressed, they can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to cancer.

Question 6

What are tumor suppressor genes?

Answer 6

Genes that regulate cell division, prevent tumor formation, and repair DNA mistakes.

Question 7

What is the role of tumor suppressor genes in cancer?

Answer 7

When these genes are mutated or inhibited, cells can divide uncontrollably, leading to cancer.

Question 8

What is metabolic reprogramming in the context of cancer?

Answer 8

The alterations in metabolism that allow cancer cells to rapidly produce energy and biosynthetic precursors.

Question 9

How does metabolic reprogramming contribute to cancer?

Answer 9

It supports rapid cell proliferation, survival in hypoxic conditions, and resistance to apoptosis, contributing to tumor growth and progression.

Question 10

What is angiogenesis?

Answer 10

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones.

Question 11

How does angiogenesis contribute to cancer?

Answer 11

It provides the growing tumor with nutrients and oxygen and enables cancer cells to enter the bloodstream and metastasize to distant sites.

Question 12

What is metastasis?

Answer 12

The spread of cancer cells from the place where they first formed to another part of the body.

Question 13

How does metastasis contribute to cancer progression?

Answer 13

It leads to the formation of secondary tumors in other parts of the body, making the disease more difficult to treat and control.

Question 14

What is apoptosis in the context of cancer?

Answer 14

Programmed cell death, a process that is often impaired in cancer cells, allowing them to survive and proliferate.

Question 15

How does impaired apoptosis contribute to cancer?

Answer 15

It allows damaged cells to survive and proliferate, contributing to tumor growth and resistance to therapy.

Question 16

What is the Warburg effect?

Answer 16

A form of metabolic reprogramming in cancer where cells predominantly produce energy through a high rate of glycolysis followed by lactic acid fermentation in the cytosol, even in the presence of oxygen.

Question 17

How does the Warburg effect contribute to cancer?

Answer 17

It provides cancer cells with the metabolic flexibility needed for rapid proliferation and survival under hypoxic conditions.

Question 18

What is hypoxia in the context of cancer?

Answer 18

A condition where cancerous tissues are deprived of adequate oxygen, often due to the rapid growth of the tumor outpacing its blood supply.

Question 19

How does hypoxia contribute to cancer progression?

Answer 19

Hypoxia promotes angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and other adaptive responses that enhance cancer cell survival, invasiveness, and resistance to therapy.

Question 20

What is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer?

Answer 20

ROS can cause DNA damage leading to mutations and promote oncogenic signaling pathways, contributing to cancer initiation and progression.