Chapter 10: Mutations and Cancer Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from Chapter 10 on mutations and cancer, focusing on cell division, cancer-related genes, and treatment options.

What is cell division and why is it important?

Cell division is the process by which a cell reproduces itself, essential for growth, development, maintenance, and repair of an organism.

What are the stages of the cell cycle?

The cell cycle includes preparatory phases (G1, S, G2) and division phases (mitosis and cytokinesis).

What is interphase in the cell cycle?

The stage where dividing cells spend most time preparing for division, consisting of three subphases: G1, S, and G2.

What are sister chromatids?

Identical DNA molecules resulting from the replication of a chromosome during the S phase.

What is mitosis?

The process of segregation and separation of replicated chromosomes during cell division.

What is cytokinesis?

The physical division of a cell into two daughter cells.

What is a carcinogen?

Any substance that causes cancer.

What is a cell cycle checkpoint?

A cellular mechanism that ensures that a stage of the cell cycle is completed accurately.

What is apoptosis?

A type of cell death, often referred to as cellular suicide.

What is a tumor?

A mass of cells resulting from uncontrolled cell division.

What is the function of the centromere?

The specialized region of a chromosome where sister chromatids are joined, critical for proper alignment and separation during mitosis.

What is mitotic spindle?

The microtubule-based structure that separates sister chromatids during mitosis.

What distinguishes benign tumors from malignant tumors?

Benign tumors do not spread throughout the body, whereas malignant tumors can invade surrounding tissues and organs.

What is the role of proto-oncogenes in cancer?

Proto-oncogenes code for proteins that help cells divide normally; mutations can turn them into oncogenes that drive uncontrolled division.

What defines tumor suppressor genes?

Tumor suppressor genes code for proteins that monitor and check cell cycle progression; mutations can lead to failure in tumor suppression.

How do inherited mutations affect cancer risk?

Inherited mutations increase cancer risk at an earlier age as the initial mutations that predispose cells to cancer are already present.

What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

A type of cancer therapy that is specific for cancer cells, aiming to avoid damaging normal cells.

What is the difference between immunotherapy and chemotherapy?

Immunotherapy uses the immune system to target and destroy cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses toxic chemicals to kill rapidly dividing cells, affecting both cancerous and normal cells.