Cancer is a disease of enhanced proliferation and cell survival. DNA repair mechanisms are normally important for cell survival. When a cell senses DNA damage, the cell cycle is inhibited until the damage is fixed. Given the importance of DNA repair mechanisms, how can their failure lead to the production of cancer cells with a competitive advantage over normal cells?
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When DNA damage occurs, these mechanisms help to repair the damage and prevent mutations from accumulating. Show more…
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Cancer is uncontrolled cell division where cells undergo excessive cell proliferation. DNA damage causes cells to lose proper regulation of the cell cycle, which leads to cancer. When the cell undergoes damage to its DNA, the cell cycle should be halted until the damage is fixed. If the damaged DNA cannot be fixed, the cell will hopefully undergo apoptosis to get rid of the damaged cell. If DNA repair mechanisms are not working and the cell doesn't undergo apoptosis, it will continue to divide. Why do cancer cells have a competitive advantage over healthy cells, meaning they outcompete healthy cells? (3pts)
Madhur L.
Cancer often involves excessive and uncontrolled mitosis, resulting in a tumour. Some of the chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer therapy inhibit DNA replication. a) Propose and explain two specific steps in DNA replication that chemotherapy drugs can impact negatively. b) Side effects can occur when using chemotherapy drugs such as hair loss. If these drugs are used to attack cancer cells, what other effects can they have on the body at a cellular level. Note: Be sure to relate it to the content covered in this course directly
Jennifer S.
One difference between cancer cells and normal cells is that cancer cells (A) are unable to synthesize DNA. (B) are arrested at the Sphase of the cell cycle. (C) continue to divide even when they are tightly packed together. (D) cannot function properly because they are affected by density-dependent inhibition.
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