Cancer Biology 101

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts from the Cancer Biology 101 lecture.

Tumour

An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells divide uncontrollably.

Proliferation

The rapid increase in the number of cells, such as that seen in cancer cells.

Benign Tumor

A non-invasive tumor that does not spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant Tumor

An invasive tumor that can spread to other parts of the body, indicating cancer.

Metastasis

The process by which cancer cells spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

A biological process during which epithelial cells lose their cell polarity and adhesion and acquire migratory and invasive properties.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that normally help cells grow, but when mutated, they can contribute to cancer development by becoming oncogenes.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that protect a cell from one step on the path to cancer; mutations that lead to loss of function can contribute to cancer.

p53

A crucial tumor suppressor protein that regulates the cell cycle and prevents the formation of tumors.

Cell Cycle

The series of phases that a cell goes through from cell division to replication.

Cyclins

Regulatory proteins that control the progression of cells through the cell cycle.

G1-CDK

A cyclin-dependent kinase that promotes entry into the cell cycle by inactivating the retinoblastoma protein (Rb).

RAS GTPase

An important molecular switch involved in cell signaling pathways that, when mutated, can lead to cancer.

Telomerase

An enzyme that extends the telomeres of chromosomes, allowing cancer cells to proliferate indefinitely.

Genetic Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in cell behavior and contribute to cancer development.

Somatic Mutations

Genetic alterations that occur in non-germline cells and cannot be inherited.

Germline Mutations

Mutations that occur in the germ cells and can be passed on to offspring.

Kinase

An enzyme that adds a phosphate group to a substrate, often involved in signaling cascades.

Phosphatase

An enzyme that removes a phosphate group from a substrate, often involved in regulating cellular processes.