Cancer Cell Biology: Development, Oncogenes, and Metastasis

What is cellular proliferation?

The process by which cells undergo division and reproduce, increasing cell number for growth, development, and repair.

What is cellular differentiation?

The orderly process of cellular maturation where cells achieve a specific structure and function.

What is the primary result of cancer regarding cell regulation?

Loss of regulated balance in cell division leading to overproliferation and crowding.

What happens to cell differentiation in cancer?

Cells lose their ability to differentiate, rendering them incapable of performing designated functions.

What is the role of apoptosis in cancer development?

Cancer cells resist apoptosis, preventing the programmed cell death that would normally eliminate damaged cells.

What are proto-oncogenes?

Normal, healthy genes that help cells grow and divide in a controlled way.

What happens when a proto-oncogene undergoes mutation?

It becomes an oncogene, which can lead to excessive cell growth and the prevention of apoptosis.

List three mechanisms of oncogene activation.

Point mutation, translocation, and gene amplification.

What are the three stages of the Initiation-Promotion-Progression theory?

Initiation, promotion, and progression.

What occurs during the initiation stage of carcinogenesis?

A permanent genetic mutation occurs in a cell, often triggered by external exposures like chemicals, radiation, or viruses.

What characterizes the promotion stage of cancer development?

The mutated cell begins to proliferate due to repeated or sustained exposure to promoting agents.

What defines the progression stage of cancer?

Abnormal cells acquire additional changes that allow them to grow independently, no longer requiring original promoting factors.

What is the first step in cancer cells impacting distant tissues?

Breaking through the basement membrane.

How do cancer cells travel to distant parts of the body?

By gaining access to the blood vessels or the lymphatic system.

What happens after cancer cells leave the blood or lymphatic vessels?

They adhere to distant tissues to establish new growth.

What is angiogenesis in the context of cancer?

The process of creating a new vascular flow to establish a nutrient network at distant tissues.

Why is a balance between differentiated and undifferentiated cells necessary?

To effectively respond to the various needs of the body.

What is the result of unrepaired gene malfunctions in cancer?

Altered controls for reproduction, growth, and death, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.

What is neoplasia?

The pathological state of uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, often resulting from oncogene activation.

What is the primary function of a stem cell?

To serve as an undifferentiated cell that can mature into a specialized cell with a unique structure and function.

What is the primary trigger for the initiation stage of cancer?

External exposure to agents such as chemicals, radiation, or viruses.