BIO 102 Cancer - Adrienne Alaie, PhD

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary terms related to cancer biology as discussed in the lecture notes.

Cancer Cells

Cells that divide selfishly, proliferating at the expense of neighboring cells.

Mutations

Changes in DNA sequences that can lead to cancer by affecting cell cycle control.

Mitogens

Stimulatory extracellular signals that promote cell division.

Growth Factors

Substances that stimulate cell growth and proliferation by promoting macromolecule synthesis.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Control mechanisms that ensure the fidelity of cell division, including G1, G2, and M checkpoints.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that occurs when cells are damaged or no longer needed.

Tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue resulting from increased cell division.

Proto-oncogenes

Genes that promote cell growth and division; when mutated, they become oncogenes.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes that slow down cell division and initiate apoptosis; loss of function can lead to cancer.

Bcr-Abl Fusion Protein

An overactive tyrosine kinase produced by a fusion of genes, associated with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).

Angiogenesis

The process by which cancer cells induce the growth of new blood vessels to supply nutrients.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Therapies that block inhibitory pathways such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 to enhance T cell activity against tumors.

Telomerase

An enzyme that maintains telomeres, allowing cancer cells to divide indefinitely.

Genetic Instability

The high frequency of mutations within the genome of cancer cells.

Density-dependent Inhibition

The regulation of cell division based on cell density; normal cells stop dividing when crowded.

Contact Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism that stops cell division when cells are in contact with one another.

Hereditary Predisposition

Increased likelihood of developing cancer due to inherited genetic mutations.

Retinoblastoma (Rb)

A type of cancer that occurs due to inactivation of the Rb tumor suppressor gene.