Cancer & Cell Biology Study Guide

A detailed set of vocabulary flashcards for studying key concepts in Cancer & Cell Biology, covering DNA, cell cycle, cancer biology, detection, treatment, and misconceptions.

DNA

Preserved in the nucleus and holds genetic instructions for making proteins.

Base pairing rules

Adenine matches Thymine (A-T) and Cytosine matches Guanine (C-G).

Transcription

The process where DNA is converted into RNA in the nucleus.

Translation

The process where RNA is translated into protein in the ribosome.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to artificially replicate DNA in the lab.

DNA Sequencing

Determines the exact sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

Microarray

Tests gene expression to reveal which genes are overactive or underactive.

Cell Cycle

The process of cell growth and division consisting of phases such as G1, S, G2, and Mitosis.

Checkpoints

Mechanisms that ensure the cell is ready to proceed through the cell cycle.

Mitosis

The process of cell division consisting of prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.

Sister Chromatids

Identical copies of a chromosome, attached at the centromere.

Homologous Chromosomes

Chromosomes that have the same genes but different versions, one from each parent.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division that disrupts homeostasis.

Stages of Cancer

Progression from abnormal cells (Stage 0) to metastasis (Stage IV).

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes that can mutate into oncogenes, which cause cancer.

Angiogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels to supply tumors.

BRCA Genes

Genes involved in DNA repair; mutations increase cancer risk, especially for breast and ovarian cancer.

Blood Tests

Tests that can detect abnormal proteins or cells due to cancer.

Chemotherapy

A treatment that uses chemicals to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

Radiation

Treatment that uses high-energy rays to damage cancer DNA.

Immunotherapy

A treatment that modifies the immune system to attack cancer cells.

CRISPR

A gene-editing tool that can be used to repair or remove cancer-related genes.

Radio waves

The weakest type of radiation (low energy).

Gamma rays

The strongest type of radiation (high energy) that can damage DNA.

Common Misconceptions about Cancer

Not all tumors are cancerous, cancer is not always inherited, and healthy people can still get cancer.

Mitosis

The division of the nucleus during cell division (includes PMAT: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase).

Homeostasis

The body's balance, which is disrupted by cancer.

BRCA1/2

Genes that repair DNA; mutations increase cancer risk.

Angiogenesis

The process by which tumors develop new blood vessels.

Microarray

A laboratory method used to measure gene activity.

Transcription

The process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.

Translation

The process of synthesizing protein from RNA.

CRISPR

A tool used for editing DNA sequences.

Oncogene

A mutated proto-oncogene that causes cancer.