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Biology > Mutation And Cancers > Flashcards

Mutation And Cancers Flashcards

1
Q

What is a mutation?

A

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism.

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2
Q

True or False: All mutations are harmful.

A

False

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3
Q

What is the role of mutations in evolution?

A

Mutations provide genetic variation, which can lead to evolution through natural selection.

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4
Q

Fill in the blank: Mutations can be classified as ________ or ________ mutations.

A

germline; somatic

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5
Q

What type of mutation affects only the body cells?

A

Somatic mutation

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6
Q

What type of mutation can be passed to offspring?

A

Germline mutation

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7
Q

Name one environmental factor that can cause mutations.

A

Radiation, chemicals, or viruses

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8
Q

What is a point mutation?

A

A point mutation is a change in a single nucleotide base in the DNA sequence.

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9
Q

True or False: All point mutations result in a change in protein function.

A

False

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10
Q

What is a frameshift mutation?

A

A frameshift mutation is caused by insertions or deletions of nucleotides that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.

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11
Q

What is the effect of a silent mutation?

A

A silent mutation does not change the amino acid sequence of a protein.

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12
Q

What is a missense mutation?

A

A missense mutation is a change in a single nucleotide that results in a different amino acid being incorporated into a protein.

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13
Q

What is a nonsense mutation?

A

A nonsense mutation is a mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the protein sequence.

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14
Q

What are carcinogens?

A

Carcinogens are substances that can lead to cancer by causing mutations.

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15
Q

Give an example of a chemical carcinogen.

A

Benzene or formaldehyde

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16
Q

What is the role of tumor suppressor genes?

A

Tumor suppressor genes help regulate cell growth and division, preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.

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17
Q

What happens when tumor suppressor genes are mutated?

A

Mutated tumor suppressor genes can lead to increased cell division and tumor formation.

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18
Q

What is the function of proto-oncogenes?

A

Proto-oncogenes promote cell division and growth; when mutated, they can become oncogenes that lead to cancer.

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19
Q

True or False: Oncogenes are mutated forms of proto-oncogenes.

A

True

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20
Q

What is the significance of the p53 gene in cancer biology?

A

The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle and prevents genomic mutations.

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21
Q

How can mutations lead to cancer?

A

Mutations can lead to cancer by disrupting normal cell cycle regulation, allowing uncontrolled cell growth.

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22
Q

Fill in the blank: Cancer cells often exhibit ________ growth.

A

uncontrolled

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23
Q

What is metastasis?

A

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

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24
Q

What is a benign tumor?

A

A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread.

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25
Q

What is a malignant tumor?

A

A malignant tumor is cancerous and has the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

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26
Q

What is the difference between a tumor and cancer?

A

A tumor is a mass of tissue, while cancer refers to malignant tumors that can spread and invade other tissues.

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27
Q

What is the role of DNA repair mechanisms?

A

DNA repair mechanisms correct mutations and maintain genomic stability.

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28
Q

What is apoptosis?

A

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells.

29
Q

How do cancer cells evade apoptosis?

A

Cancer cells can evade apoptosis by mutating genes that regulate cell death.

30
Q

What is the role of angiogenesis in cancer?

A

Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors, allowing them to grow.

31
Q

True or False: All cancers are caused solely by genetic mutations.

A

False

32
Q

What is the function of the BRCA1 gene?

A

The BRCA1 gene is involved in DNA repair and is linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer when mutated.

33
Q

What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

A

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth.

34
Q

What is immunotherapy?

A

Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

35
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ therapy enhances the immune response against cancer.

A

Immunotherapy

36
Q

What is the significance of early detection in cancer treatment?

A

Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and better outcomes.

37
Q

What is a carcinogenesis?

A

Carcinogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer cells.

38
Q

What are the stages of cancer development?

A

Initiation, promotion, progression

39
Q

What is a risk factor for developing cancer?

A

A risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of developing cancer, such as smoking or obesity.

40
Q

True or False: Genetic predisposition is a risk factor for cancer.

A

True

41
Q

What is the significance of tumor markers?

A

Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells that can be used for diagnosis and monitoring treatment.

42
Q

What is the role of lifestyle factors in cancer prevention?

A

Healthy lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, can reduce the risk of developing cancer.

43
Q

What is the purpose of cancer screening?

A

Cancer screening aims to detect cancer early when it is more treatable.

44
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ is a common method used for cancer screening.

A

Mammography

45
Q

What is the role of genetic counseling in cancer?

A

Genetic counseling helps individuals understand their risk of cancer based on family history and genetic factors.

46
Q

What does the term ‘carcinoma’ refer to?

A

Carcinoma refers to cancer that originates in epithelial tissues.

47
Q

What does the term ‘sarcoma’ refer to?

A

Sarcoma refers to cancer that originates in connective tissues, such as bone or muscle.

48
Q

What is leukemia?

A

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects blood-forming tissues and results in the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

49
Q

What is lymphoma?

A

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in lymphatic tissue.

50
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ is the process by which cancer cells spread to other parts of the body.

A

Metastasis

51
Q

What is the significance of staging in cancer?

A

Staging determines the extent of cancer spread and helps guide treatment decisions.

52
Q

What is the TNM staging system?

A

The TNM staging system classifies cancer based on Tumor size, Node involvement, and Metastasis.

53
Q

What is the difference between adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy?

A

Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, while neoadjuvant therapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors.

54
Q

What is chemotherapy?

A

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells.

55
Q

What are the common side effects of chemotherapy?

A

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue.

56
Q

What is radiation therapy?

A

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

57
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ therapy is often used in combination with other cancer treatments.

A

Radiation

58
Q

What is the purpose of clinical trials in cancer treatment?

A

Clinical trials test new treatments and therapies to determine their effectiveness and safety.

59
Q

What is personalized medicine?

A

Personalized medicine tailors treatment based on an individual’s genetic profile and specific characteristics of their cancer.

60
Q

What is the role of nutrition in cancer care?

A

Proper nutrition supports overall health and can help manage treatment side effects.

61
Q

True or False: Stress has been proven to cause cancer.

A

False

62
Q

What is the impact of smoking on cancer risk?

A

Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing various types of cancer, especially lung cancer.

63
Q

What is the significance of the HPV vaccine?

A

The HPV vaccine reduces the risk of cervical and other cancers caused by human papillomavirus.

64
Q

What is the relationship between obesity and cancer?

A

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer due to inflammation and hormonal changes.

65
Q

What is a cancer survivor?

A

A cancer survivor is someone who has completed treatment for cancer and is living with or beyond the disease.

66
Q

Fill in the blank: ________ support is crucial for cancer patients during treatment.

A

Emotional

67
Q

What is the role of support groups in cancer care?

A

Support groups provide emotional and social support to individuals affected by cancer.

68
Q

What does palliative care focus on?

A

Palliative care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.

69
Q

What is the significance of follow-up care after cancer treatment?

A

Follow-up care monitors for recurrence and manages any long-term side effects of treatment.

Biology (28 decks)

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