Cell Molecular Biology

Question 1

What is cell biology?

Answer 1

Study of how cells and their molecules function/mechanism

Question 2

What is molecular biology?

Answer 2

Study of molecules in a cell e.g DNA, proteins

Question 3

How can Cell Molecular biology benefit patients? (5)

Answer 3

1. Study of biomarkers
2. Translational Research
3. Stratified Medicine
4. Pharmacogeneomics
5. Precision Medicine

Question 4

Example of Translational Research?

Answer 4

Use of antibody to block TNF (tumour necrosis factor) as biological therapy for inflammatory diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis etc.

Question 5

What was timeline of innovations for development of RNA Vaccines applied to Covid?

Answer 5

From 1961 - Brenner, Jacobd, Watson, Meselson - mRNA Isolation
(Learn middle if necessary)

Covid mRNA Vaccine produced 2020.

Question 6

What test was approved in Sept 2021 that could revolutionise cancer, and why (3)?

Answer 6

Galleri blood test.

1. Tumour cells release cell free DNA into blood during necrosis or apoptosis.
2. Test can detect mutations in these free DNA
3. Early trial data suggests test can pick up up to 50 types of cancer including those difficult to detect such as Pancreatic cancer

Question 7

What are biomarkers?

Answer 7

Naturally occurring biomolecule (e.g gene) /characteristic that can be used to identify pathological or physiological processes.

Question 8

What are examples of bio-markers with corresponding processes? (2)

Answer 8

C-reactice Protein (CRP) - measures inflammation.

Anti-citrillunated Peptide Antibody - Used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis

Question 9

Why are biomarkers important? (4)

Answer 9

1. Diagnose and treat diseases
2. Monitor disease progression
3. Predict Treatment response
4. Prognosis (Low or high risk)

Question 10

What is Pharmacogenomics? (2)

Answer 10

1. The study of how gene variation affect an individuals response to a drug. This helps to tailor individualised medication.
2. It does this by identifying patients at risk for toxicity or reduced response to therapy prior to treatment.

Question 11

Example of Pharcogenomics? (4)

Answer 11

1. Abacavir - A reverse transcriptase inhibitor used for treatment of HIV infection.
2. 5% of patients develop immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction due to mutation in Human leukocyte antigen B.

Question 12

What is Stratified Medicine? (1)

Answer 12

The grouping of patients based on risk from treatment options based on disease.

Question 13

Example of Stratification in diagnostics?

Answer 13

Use in Breast Cancer Patients.
PR+, ER+ (65-75%) - ER+ treated with Tamoxifen
HER2+ (15-20%) - Treated with Herceptin
Triple Negative (15%)

Question 14

What is K-RAS protein mutation? (3)

Answer 14

Occurs in Colorectal Cancer.

1. Intracellular Signalling protein becomes abnormally active in absence of growth factor being activated.
2. This caused to the gene regulatory protein to be activated and transcript proteins, causing cell proliferation.

Question 15

What medication is used to treat colon cancer?

Answer 15

Cetuximab - inhibits epidermal growth factor receptor.

Works for when K-RAS protein is working normally. It will not work for mutated K-RAS.

Question 16

What is an advantage of screening via Stratified Medicine? (3)

Answer 16

1. Avoids administering ineffective medication e.g in Cetuximab in case of K-RAS Mutation.
2. This avoids unnecessary side effects 3. Saves costs to NHS.

Question 17

What are CAR T cells?

Answer 17

CAR T - Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell.

It is a reprogrammed version of T cells used in treatment of B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children, and diffusion of large B-cell lymphoma in adults.

Question 18

What is Precision Medicine?

Answer 18

Precision medicine identifies effective approach to an individual based on genetic, environmental and life style factors.