4. Gene Expression and Cancer

Question 1

the rate of cell division is controlled by ______

Answer 1

genes

Question 2

name the two types of genes that control cell division?

Answer 2

• proto-onco genes
• tumour suppressor genes

Question 3

when can proto-onco genes cause cancer?

Answer 3

when they are turned on

Question 4

outline how protoonco genes can cause cancer

Answer 4

• proto-onco genes help cells grow
• when they mutate, they can become permanently activated
• the cell grows out of control
• leading to mutated proto-onocogenes known as an oncogene

Question 5

when can tumour supressor genes cause cancer?

Answer 5

when they are turned off or inactivated

Question 6

what are tumour supressor genes?

Answer 6

• genes that normally help slow division and control apoptis

Question 7

define apoptis

Answer 7

when tumour suppressor genes tell another one to die

Question 8

describe how tumour supressor genes can lead to cancer

Answer 8

when they are turned off or inactive,
- cells can grow out of control
- as they are not controlled by the tumour suppressor gene

Question 9

how do cancer cells differentiate to normal cells?

Answer 9

• have large dark nuclei
• irregular shape
• do not produce proteins
• different cell surface antigens

Question 10

name two ways your body can destroy cancer cells?

Answer 10

• can be recognised and destroyed by white blood cells
• can be killed through apoptosis

Question 11

list the features of a malignant tumour

Answer 11

• fast growing
• invade and destroy other tissue
• may have abnormal shape

Question 11

list the features of a benign tumour

Answer 11

• slow growing
• normal cell shape
• do not mesastasize

Question 12

increased oestrogen exposure can be shown to increase a woman’s risk of _____ ____________

Answer 12

breast cancer

Question 13

name possible examples of oestrogen exposure

Answer 13

• going on the pill
• starting menstruation early in life
• late start of menopause

Question 14

list possible treatments for cancer

Answer 14

• surgery
• immunotherapy
• chemotherapy
• radiotherapy
• drugs