Mutation And Cancers Flashcards
What is a mutation?
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism.
True or False: All mutations are harmful.
False
What is the role of mutations in evolution?
Mutations provide genetic variation, which can lead to evolution through natural selection.
Fill in the blank: Mutations can be classified as ________ or ________ mutations.
germline; somatic
What type of mutation affects only the body cells?
Somatic mutation
What type of mutation can be passed to offspring?
Germline mutation
Name one environmental factor that can cause mutations.
Radiation, chemicals, or viruses
What is a point mutation?
A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.
True or False: All point mutations result in a change in protein function.
False
What is a frameshift mutation?
A frameshift mutation is caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.
What is the effect of a silent mutation?
A silent mutation does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.
What is a missense mutation?
A missense mutation is a change in a single nucleotide that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.
What is a nonsense mutation?
A nonsense mutation is a mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the protein sequence.
What are carcinogens?
Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer by causing mutations.
Give an example of a chemical carcinogen.
Benzene or formaldehyde
What is the role of tumor suppressor genes?
Tumor suppressor genes help regulate cell growth and division, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.
What happens when tumor suppressor genes are mutated?
Mutated tumor suppressor genes can lead to increased cell division and tumor formation.
What is the function of proto-oncogenes?
Proto-oncogenes promote cell division and growth; when mutated, they can become oncogenes that lead to cancer.
True or False: Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes.
True
What is the significance of the p53 gene in cancer biology?
The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle and prevents genomic mutations.
How can mutations lead to cancer?
Mutations can lead to cancer by disrupting normal cell cycle regulation, allowing uncontrolled cell growth.
Fill in the blank: Cancer cells often exhibit ________ growth.
uncontrolled
What is metastasis?
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.
What is a benign tumor?
A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread.
What is a malignant tumor?
A malignant tumor is cancerous and has the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
What is the difference between a tumor and cancer?
A tumor is a mass of tissue, while cancer refers to malignant tumors that can spread and invade other tissues.
What is the role of DNA repair mechanisms?
DNA repair mechanisms correct mutations and maintain genomic stability.
What is apoptosis?
Apoptosis is programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.
How do cancer cells evade apoptosis?
Cancer cells can evade apoptosis by mutating genes that regulate cell death.
What is the role of angiogenesis in cancer?
Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow.
True or False: All cancers are caused solely by genetic mutations.
False
What is the function of the BRCA1 gene?
The BRCA1 gene is involved in DNA repair and is linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer when mutated.
What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Fill in the blank: ________ therapy enhances the immune response against cancer.
Immunotherapy
What is the significance of early detection in cancer treatment?
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.
What is a carcinogenesis?
Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells.
What are the stages of cancer development?
Initiation, promotion, progression
What is a risk factor for developing cancer?
A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of developing cancer, such as smoking or obesity.
True or False: Genetic predisposition is a risk factor for cancer.
True
What is the significance of tumor markers?
Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells that can be used for diagnosis and monitoring treatment.
What is the role of lifestyle factors in cancer prevention?
Healthy lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can reduce the risk of developing cancer.
What is the purpose of cancer screening?
Cancer screening aims to detect cancer early when it is more treatable.
Fill in the blank: ________ is a common method used for cancer screening.
Mammography
What is the role of genetic counseling in cancer?
Genetic counseling helps individuals understand their risk of cancer based on family history and genetic factors.
What does the term ‘carcinoma’ refer to?
Carcinoma refers to cancer that originates in epithelial tissues.
What does the term ‘sarcoma’ refer to?
Sarcoma refers to cancer that originates in connective tissues, such as bone or muscle.
What is leukemia?
Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues and results in the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in lymphatic tissue.
Fill in the blank: ________ is the process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.
Metastasis
What is the significance of staging in cancer?
Staging determines the extent of cancer spread and helps guide treatment decisions.
What is the TNM staging system?
The TNM staging system classifies cancer based on Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis.
What is the difference between adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy?
Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, while neoadjuvant therapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells.
What are the common side effects of chemotherapy?
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.
What is radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Fill in the blank: ________ therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Radiation
What is the purpose of clinical trials in cancer treatment?
Clinical trials test new treatments and therapies to determine their effectiveness and safety.
What is personalized medicine?
Personalized medicine tailors treatment based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific characteristics of their cancer.
What is the role of nutrition in cancer care?
Proper nutrition supports overall health and can help manage treatment side effects.
True or False: Stress has been proven to cause cancer.
False
What is the impact of smoking on cancer risk?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, especially lung cancer.
What is the significance of the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of cervical and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus.
What is the relationship between obesity and cancer?
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer due to inflammation and hormonal changes.
What is a cancer survivor?
A cancer survivor is someone who has completed treatment for cancer and is living with or beyond the disease.
Fill in the blank: ________ support is crucial for cancer patients during treatment.
Emotional
What is the role of support groups in cancer care?
Support groups provide emotional and social support to individuals affected by cancer.
What does palliative care focus on?
Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
What is the significance of follow-up care after cancer treatment?
Follow-up care monitors for recurrence and manages any long-term side effects of treatment.
