Cancer genetics

Question 1

cancer

Answer 1

• a condition where cells in a specific body part grow and divide uncontrollably

Question 2

metastasis

Answer 2

• cancer beginning in one part of the body before spreading to other areas

Question 3

acquired mutations

Answer 3

• arise during an individuals lifetime, due to environmental impacts or age
• mutations in cells in one part of the body leads to unregulated cell division & formation of a tumour
• ‘spontaneous’ cancer
• 95% cancer

Question 4

germline mutation

Answer 4

• inherited mutation in either sperm or egg
• ‘hereditary’ cancer

Question 5

hereditary cancer identified in families where:

Answer 5

• multiple family members have cancer
• members have more than one type
• individuals have same or related types
• more rare cancers
• develops at young ages

Question 6

genes involved in cancer

Answer 6

• oncogenes
• tumour suppressor genes

Question 7

oncogenes

Answer 7

• mutated genes that have the potential to cause cancer
• ‘proto-oncogenes’ before mutated
• typically dormant acting
• produce factors regulating the cell cycle

Question 8

tumour supressor genes

Answer 8

• normally limit how much a cell can grow
• inhibit cancerous processes
• tend to be recessive - give a predisposition to cancer