Week 11-3 - Cancer Cells

A selection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in cancer biology from the lecture notes.

Carcinomas

Cancers that arise from epithelial cells covering external and internal body surfaces, making up about 90% of all cancers.

Tumor

A mass of tissues resulting from uncontrolled cell division.

Benign Tumor

A type of tumor that grows in a confined local area and is rarely dangerous.

Malignant Tumor

A type of tumor that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant parts of the body.

Anchorage-independent Growth

The ability of cancer cells to grow without being anchored to a solid surface.

Metastasis

The ability of cancer cells to enter the bloodstream and travel to distant sites, forming tumors called metastases.

Carcinogens

Agents, such as certain chemicals and substances, that can trigger DNA mutations leading to cancer.

Oncogene

A gene whose presence can trigger the development of cancer.

Proto-oncogenes

Normal genes regulating cell growth and survival that can become oncogenes through mutation.

Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes whose loss or inactivation can lead to cancer by allowing excessive cell proliferation.

p53 Gene

The most frequently mutated gene in human cancers, involved in triggering cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

RB Gene

A tumor suppressor gene responsible for preventing cells from passing through the restriction point without appropriate growth signals.

Genetic Instability

A characteristic of cancer cells resulting from mutations in multiple genes, often leading to high mutation rates.

Hallmarks of Cancer

A group of six traits that are common to all forms of cancer.

Telomerase

An enzyme produced by most cancer cells that maintains telomere length, allowing for unlimited cell division.

Initiation

The process of converting normal cells into a precancerous state, sensitizing them to further change.

Promotion

The long, gradual process where sensitized cells are repeatedly exposed to cancer-promoting agents.