Cancer Genetics and Treatment

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to cancer genetics, mechanisms, and therapies, encapsulating essential definitions and concepts to assist in exam preparation.

Cancer

A genetic disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle.

Proto-oncogene

A normal gene that promotes cell division; when mutated, it becomes an oncogene that contributes to cancer.

Tumor suppressor gene

A gene that restricts cell division; mutations often lead to loss of function, allowing uncontrolled proliferation.

Clonal selection

The process by which specific cells with advantageous mutations proliferate while others do not, leading to cancer progression.

Cell cycle checkpoints

Regulatory points in the cell cycle that ensure proper cell division and prevent cancerous growth by monitoring DNA integrity.

Cyclin

A small protein that regulates the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs).

CDK (Cyclin-Dependent Kinase)

An enzyme that, when activated by a cyclin, phosphorylates target proteins to move the cell through the cell cycle.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that removes damaged or unnecessary cells.

Mutations

Changes in DNA sequences that can lead to cancer by altering genes involved in cell growth, division, and repair.

p53

A tumor suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and triggers apoptosis in response to DNA damage.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor site to other parts of the body.

BRCA genes

Genes involved in DNA repair; mutations can increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Cell growth factors

Substances that promote cell division and survival, often hijacked by cancer cells for uncontrolled proliferation.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

Genomic instability

An increased rate of mutations within the genome that can lead to cancer development.

Telomeres

Protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division; when extended, can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.