Lecture #3 Cancer and Genetics Flashcards
What are the cell cycle checkpoints? What are their functions?
DNA replication checkpoint: occurs at the end of G2 before mitosis. Checks for any unreplicated DNA
DNA damage checkpoint: occurs before entering S phase. Checks for damaged DNA
Spindle assembly checkpoint: checks that all chromosomes are attached to spindle before entering mitosis, before anaphase
What are the 3 main cells/components of cancer? What are their functions?
Oncogene: cancer causing gene
Proto-oncogene: normal genes in cells divisions that have the potential of cancerous if they are mutated
Tumor suppressor: genes that encode proteins whose normal activities inhibit cell division (ex. P53 protein)
Define “gene”
An inherited factor (encoded in DNA) that helps to determine a characteristic
Define “allele”
One of two or more alternative forms of a gene
What is a locus?
A specific place on a chromosome occupied by an allele
(My definition) the positions where the gene exists on the DNA
What is a genotype?
The set of allele possessed by an individual organism
Define “heterozygote”
An individual organism possessing 2 different alleles at a locus (Aa)
Define “homozygote”
An individual organism possessing 2 of the same alleles at locus ( AA or aa)
What is a phenotype/trait?
The physical appearance or manifestation of a characteristic
What is a characteristic or character?
An attribute or feature possessed by an organism
(Height, hair colour etc)
