DNA, RNA, and carcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis

Transformation of a normal cell into a cancerous cell

DNA

Genetic material that controls cell division and protein synthesis

RNA

Carries copied genetic instructions from DNA to direct protein formation

Mitosis

Cell division that produces two daughter cells

Protein synthesis

Process by which cells make proteins using genetic instructions

Gene

Segment of DNA containing instructions for making a protein

Nucleotide

Component of DNA consisting of a sugar, phosphate, and base

Mutation

Change in a cell's genetic material

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death

Carcinogen

Agent that can cause cancer

Oncogene

Gene that can promote cancerous transformation when activated

Suppressor gene

Gene that helps regulate cell growth and suppress cancer development

Anaplasia

Loss of cell differentiation; reversion to a more primitive cell type

Differentiation

Specialization of cells

Dedifferentiation

Loss of specialization; reversion to a more primitive cell type

Environmental carcinogens

Chemicals, radiation, and viruses that can damage DNA

Chemical carcinogens

Cancer-causing substances such as asbestos, dyes, industrial chemicals, hydrocarbons, and insecticides

Radiation as a carcinogen

Radiation that damages DNA and may cause mutations

Viral carcinogens

Viruses associated with cancers, including HPV and hepatitis B and C viruses

ras

Oncogene associated with colon cancer in the chapter

myc

Oncogene associated with lymphoma in the chapter

bcr-abl

Abnormal gene combination associated with chronic myeloid leukemia

Translocation

Movement of genetic material between chromosomes

Philadelphia chromosome

Chromosome associated with chronic myeloid leukemia resulting from a translocation involving bcr and abl