Cancer Biology Flashcards
(25 cards)
Cancer Cells Characteristics Distinguish Them From Healthy, Functional, Human Cells——
●Abnormal Reproduction (Division)
●Inactivated Cell Cycle Checkpoints
●Defective DNA Repair Systems
●Increased Lifespan Due To Abnormal Aging
●High Levels Of Telomerase
●Inability To Self-Destruct By Apoptosis
●Abnormal Binding Properties
●Hide From The Immune System
The Abnormal Cells Cannot Detach From Each Other And- ———-
The Extracellular Matrix And Consequently Spread
The Malignant Tumors Contain Cancer Cells That…….
Metastasize, Invade New Locations In The Body, And Form New Tumors
Cancer Cells Detach From Each Other & The
Extracellular Matrix And Consequently Metastasize
Metastasis
Causes most cancer related deaths
There Are ~100 Documented Types Of Human Cancers
There Can Be Subtypes Of Each Cancer Due To Different Mutations In The Cancer Cell Genome
Human Cancers Present———To Treat
“A Difficult Set Of Problems”
A Single Tumor Can Contain Cancer Cells With Distinct Characteristics Due To—-
Different Mutations In The Cancer Cells
The Cancer Cells In A Single Glioblastoma Demonstrate Different Properties
Need For Go-Signals Varies
●Rate Of Mitotic Cell Division Varies
●Sensitivity To Complement Proteins Of The Immune System Varies
●Sensitivity To Low Oxygen (O2) Levels Varies (Hypoxia & Anaerobiosis Describe Low O2 Levels)
Chemotherapy?
Is The Use Of Pharmaceuticals (Drugs) To Treat Cancer, Infectious Disease, Or Genetic Disorders
Some Anti-Cancer Drugs Inhibit Spindle Function
They Activate The M Phase Checkpoint & Cause Apoptosis?
*Colchicine (Autumn Crocus), *Taxol (Paclitaxel) Pacific Yew, *Vinca Alkaloids (Vinblastine & Vincristine) Periwinkle
Some Anti-Cancer Drugs Inhibit Nucleotide Synthesis Which Consequently Inhibits DNA Replication During The S Phase?
Methotrexate & Hydroxyurea
The Inadequate Supply Of Deoxyribonucleotides For DNA Synthesis——
Induces Mutations During DNA Replication To Activate The G2/M Phase Checkpoint
*The Activated Checkpoint Induces The Cancer Cells To Self-Destruct By Apoptosis
Anti-Hormone Therapy Deprives Cancer Cells Of The—
Go-Signal (Steroid Sex Hormone) Required To Pass The G1/S Cell Cycle Checkpoint
Some Types Of Cancer Cells Self-Destruct By
Apoptosis If They Do Not Recognize The Go-signal
Some Anti-Cancer Drugs Inhbit?
Angiogenesis Which Is The Process Of New Blood Vessel Formation
As A Tumor Enlarges, Its Demand For Glucose, Amino Acids, Oxygen (O2) Molecules, etc. Increases To Support High Rates Of Cancer Cell Division
Some Malnourished Cancer Cells Show Reduced Reproduction
*Some Malnourished Cancer Cells Self-Destruct By Apoptosis
Mutations That Enable Cancer Cells To Form Channels Within The Tumor Create Resistance To Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Some Mutations Enable Cancer Cells To Interact To Form Hollow Channels Within The Tumor (Vasculogenic Mimicry)
*The Internal Channels Increase The Delivery Of Glucose, Amino Acids, O2, And Growth Factors (Go-signals) To Cancer Cells In The Tumor
Telomeres Are The “Protective Caps” (“Disposable Ends”) At The Ends Of The Linear Chromosomes In The Nucleus
Telomerase Restores Telomere Length During The S Phase Of The Cell Cycle
Some Anti Cancer Drugs Inhibit?
Telomerase To Prevent Telomere Restoration During DNA Replication In Cancer Cells
Chemotherapy Causes?
Undesirable And Sometimes Debilitating Side-Effects
Hair loss,vomiting,anemia,loss of appetite, &memory impaired
Radiation Therapy
Is The Use Of Intense Energy (X-Rays, High Energy Protons) To Destroy Cancer Cells
Vaccination Prevents Some Types Of Cancer
Vaccination Could Prevent Cancers Caused By “Oncoviruses” & “Oncobacteria”
Cervarix & Gardasil
Prevent The Cancers Caused By Some Strains Of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
