Comprehensive Cancer Biology: Cell Mechanisms, Mutations, and Metastasis

What leads to disruption in tissue structure and function in cancer?

Alterations in molecular mechanisms controlling tissue renewal and repair.

How do cancer cells originate?

From a single cell that suffers a genetic alteration allowing survival and uncontrolled division.

What is the result of a cancer cell's division?

It produces daughter cells that behave similarly, creating a clone of abnormal cells.

List one characteristic of cancer cells.

Cell reproduction.

What is another characteristic of cancer cells?

Cell communication.

What is the role of cell adhesion in cancer?

Cell adhesion (CAMS) is disrupted in cancer cells.

Name a characteristic that involves the ability to undergo programmed cell death.

Cell death.

What does 'metastasis' refer to in cancer biology?

The spreading of cancerous cells from one organ to another.

What is a primary tumor?

The original tumor from which cancer cells spread.

What is vascularization in the context of cancer?

The process of forming new blood vessels to supply the tumor.

What are benign tumors?

Non-cancerous growths that do not invade surrounding tissues.

Give an example of a benign tumor.

Adenomas.

What distinguishes malignant tumors from benign tumors?

Malignant tumors invade and colonize territories normally reserved for other cells.

What are carcinomas?

Cancers that arise from organs and glands.

Identify a preventable cause of cancer.

Smoking.

What role do mutations play in cancer?

Mutations can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.

What is a somatic mutation?

A mutation that occurs in non-germline cells, affecting only the individual.

How can viral infections promote cancer?

Viral genes can disrupt cell cycle regulatory pathways.

What is genomic instability?

An increased rate of mutations due to defects in DNA replication and repair.

What are oncogenes?

Genes that, when mutated or expressed at high levels, can lead to cancer.

What is the function of tumor suppressor genes?

To regulate cell growth and prevent tumor formation.

What happens when a tumor suppressor gene is lost?

It can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer.

Describe the role of the APC gene in colorectal cancer.

The APC gene normally restricts activation of the Wnt signaling pathway; its loss leads to excessive cell proliferation.

What is the significance of the Ras oncogene in cancer?

Activation of the Ras oncogene can promote cell survival and proliferation.

What is the relationship between mutations and cancer progression?

Accumulation of mutations can lead to the transition from benign to malignant tumors.

What is the effect of excessive cell proliferation in tumors?

It can result in the formation of larger tumors and potential metastasis.

What does 'hyper-activation' of pathways mean in cancer biology?

Increased activity of signaling pathways that promote cancerous growth.

What is the role of natural selection in cancer evolution?

Mutant cells that enhance proliferation and survival are favored, leading to cancer progression.