Genes and Cancer

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to genes and cancer.

What is cancer?

A phenotype produced by the environment and a person’s genotype, characterized by uncontrolled cell division and the ability to metastasize.

What is metastasis?

The ability of cancer cells to spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

What is Loss of Heterozygosity (LOH)?

A condition where one copy of a gene is lost, usually in cancer contexts where a normal gene mutates after inheriting one mutated gene.

What are tumor-suppressor genes?

Genes that decrease or stop cell division; mutations result in uncontrolled cell division.

What is a proto-oncogene?

A normal gene that can become an oncogene due to mutations or increased expression.

What role do BRCA1 and BRCA2 play in cancer?

Both are tumor-suppressor genes associated with DNA repair, with mutations leading to increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

What is Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

An autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of numerous polyps in the colon, leading to a high risk of colon cancer.

What environmental factors can lead to cancer?

Mutagenic chemicals, radiation, viruses, and lifestyle choices such as diet and smoking.

What is the impact of age on cancer risk?

The risk of developing cancer increases with age.

What happens during the G1/S Checkpoint in the cell cycle?

Cells check internal and external conditions to decide whether to proceed to DNA replication.

What are epigenetic mechanisms?

Processes that modify gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, potentially leading to cancer.

How can lifestyle choices reduce cancer risk?

Eating a healthy diet, being physically active, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding tobacco can help reduce cancer risk.

What is the Philadelphia chromosome?

A genetic abnormality associated with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22.

What is the average age of cancer diagnosis for Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)?

40-50 years.

What is the role of the RB1 gene in cancer?

It is a tumor-suppressor gene that regulates the cell cycle; mutations can lead to retinoblastoma and other cancers.