12-Q1. Why are some cancers hereditary?
Explain how inherited genetic mutations increase cancer risk.
Discuss the role of family history and inherited mutations in tumor suppressor
genes or oncogenes.
12-Q2. Why does the incidence of cancer increase exponentially with age?
Consider the accumulation of genetic mutations over time.
Discuss how cellular aging, DNA repair decline, and environmental exposures
contribute.
12-Q3. How do cancers develop?
Describe the multistep process of cancer initiation, promotion, and progression.
Include the roles of mutations, uncontrolled cell division, and evasion of normal
growth controls.
12-Q4. Discuss both genetic and epigenetic modifications that influence cancer
development.
Define genetic mutations (e.g., point mutations, deletions, amplifications) and
their effects.
Explain epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone modification,
and how they can silence tumor suppressor genes or activate oncogenes.
12-Q5. How do tumors evolve?

Prade, Cell and Molecular Biology
pg. 2
Explain tumor heterogeneity and clonal selection.
Discuss how mutations accumulate, leading to more aggressive or therapy-
resistant cancer cells.
12-Q6. Why are cancer cells genetically unstable?
Describe the breakdown of standard DNA repair mechanisms and checkpoint
controls.
Explain how this instability accelerates mutation rates and cancer progression.
12-Q7. Define an oncogene and its corresponding proto-oncogene.
Explain how proto-oncogenes normally regulate cell growth and division.
Describe how mutations convert proto-oncogenes into oncogenes that drive
uncontrolled proliferation.