Cancer Biology

Question 1

What are the stages of the cell cycle?

Answer 1

G0- represents the resting phase
G1- phase is the growth and preparation of the chromosomes for replication
S stands for the synthesis phase in which the DNA is coped or replicated
G2 is the preparation of the cell for division
M stands for Mitosis- division into 2 daughter cells.

Question 2

How do cells know when to stop replicating (senescence) and undergo Apoptosis?

Answer 2

Each time they replicate, segments of DNA on the end of chromosomes (telomeres) get shorter. Senescence and apoptosis begin when these telomeres become very short.

Question 3

What are the three repair genes and their properties?

Answer 3

Mismatch repair genes- oversee DNA replication and repair mistakes

Apoptosis genes- ensure that cells are programmed to die

Telomerase genes- tell the age of normal cells and monitor aging process

Question 4

What are the 8 Hallmarks of cancer?

Answer 4

1) Uncontrolled cell division
2) dysfunctioning cell regulation
3) angiogenesis
4) Immune evasion
5) Metastasis
6) Dysregulated cell energetics
7) Evasion of apoptosis
8) Replicative immortality

Question 5

What is the Cell transformation process?

Answer 5

Step 1: Initiation - a carcinogenic substance provides a stimulus within the genetic material of the cell

Step 2: Promotion - Initiated cells are stimulated by the same or different carcinogen to proliferate and form cancers

Step 3: Transformation- normal cell becomes malignant (low grade to high grade tumour). Much harder to treat following this transformation.

Step 4: Progression - development of malignant tumours and metastasis.