Chapter 3: Carcinogenesis

Question 1

Cancer

Answer 1

A neoplasm characterized by the uncontrolled growth of anaplastic cells that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to distant sites

Question 2

Proto-oncogenes

Answer 2

Genes that code for proteins involved in normal cell growth

When mutated, they may enable a cancer cell to be self sufficient in growth (gas pedal is stuck)

Question 3

Ras

Answer 3

A commonly mutated proto oncogene, especially in pacreatic and colorectal cancers

A point mutation can change Ras from a proto-oncogene to an oncogene

Question 4

Tumor suppressor genes

Answer 4

Genes in normal cells that control proliferation by preventing uncontrolled growth

When mutated, these genes no longer suppress proliferation (brake pedal stuck)

Question 5

RB gene

Answer 5

Gene that normally inhibits cell division

This gene is mutated in childhood retinoblastoma and many lung, breast, bone cancers