Cancer and mutations Flashcards
what regulates cell divisions
proto onco genes and tumor supressor genes
proto onco genes
can mutate and become oncogenes which stimulate escessive cell division
what happens when tumor supressor genes are mutated
they become inactive
recessive inheretence
one copy isnt sufficient to manifest the phenotype, loss of function mutation
dominant inheritance
only one copy is needed to have the phenotype
Gain of function mutation
Homozygous vs heterozygous
RR and rr
same allel
Rr is heterozygous
recessive/ loss of function
protein doesnt work as well or isnt made at all
dominant/ gain of function
protein is produced in higher quantity
GOF mutation in one or both copies of the gene will have an effect
are LOF and GOF mutations usually beneficial or detrimental to the organism
both are usually detrimental, the status quo is pretty good
Delving into genetic replication and protein synthesis, what do the terms replication, transcription, and translation signify in this context?
Changes in DNA can affect physical traits. Can you explain how different types of mutations—such as frame-shift, point, deletion, insertion, substitution, silent, nonsense, and missense mutations—impact protein production?
Taking sickle cell anemia as an example, can you identify the change in DNA causing this condition?
Let’s start with the basics of genetics. What are genomes, chromosomes, genes, alleles, proteins, traits, and mutations? Can you define these terms and explain their functional relationships?
Moving on to the role of mutations, can you describe what causes cancer and the influence of acquired and inherited mutations in this context?
How can we distinguish between genetic and environmental causes? What types of cells carry these mutations and how are they inherited? (hint: germline v somatic)
Examining the genotype-phenotype relationship, can you explain how DNA and proteins manifest as physical traits?
Can you illustrate how gain-of-function and loss-of-function alleles affect phenotypes and their relevance to dominant and recessive inheritance?
Turning to cancer, can you define this disease and elaborate on how a single cell transforms into a cancerous one? What role do mutations play in this process and how many are typically needed?
spreads through metastisis
What are proto-oncogenes, tumor suppressor proteins, p53, and Ras, and how do they influence cell division and cancer?
Can you discuss metastasis and its significance in cancer progression?
Delve into inheritance. How does DNA differ across cells and from the zygotic stage?
Can you explain the chances of inheriting or passing on a mutation that predisposes one to cancer? What about a mutation in a proto-oncogene or tumor suppressor gene due to environmental factors?
Lastly, how might non-homologous end joining repair mechanisms and beneficial mutations impact genes and species evolution, despite the overall tendency to maintain DNA stability?
