Names:

 

I. Cancer is a disorder that involves the transformation of normal benign body cells into malignant rapidly dividing cells. Our Cancer Quest into the possible carcinogenic effects of various chemicals on normal cells begins with an examination of cells. First, let's define;

What is Cancer? 

1. In the text box below briefly summarize what is cancer? Click on the text box to activate it. Type in your answer. Click off the box to deactivate it.

                                    

 

2. List three characteristics that would label cell growth as cancerous. Click on the text box to activate it. Type in your answer. Click off the box to deactivate it.

a.
b.
c.

 

II. How Cancer Grows extends the What is Cancer? section and will explain some of the molecular biology of the disease. It is a bit more technical, but necessary if you are to affectively grasp the implications of this unfolding Cancer Quest.

  How Cancer Grows

When you've finished the presentation, answer the following two questions . Click on the box next to the correct answers and place an X in them.

 

1. The first genetic mutation in the early stages of carcinoma (epithelial cancer) formation can take different forms such as: (3 answers)

a. causing cells to reproduce when the replacement, or production, of cells isn't necessary.

b. causing cells to penetrate through the tissue's basement membrane and invade the surrounding tissue.

c. causing cells to stimulate angiogenesis and recruit blood vessels to bring nourishment to the developing tumor.

d. causing cells not to self-destruct when they should.

 

2. For a cell to become cancerous it generally requires a series of more than two mutations to occur.

a. True   b. False.

 

For Your Information

1.  There is growing evidence that genes play a primary role in development of some cancers. All of the following genetic factors could contribute to the development of cancer in some people.

a. DNA repair enzymes that are inefficient in their correction of genetic defects.

b. Enzymes that are incapable of breaking down certain molecules that oxidize and generate carcinogenic intermediates.

c. Missing enzymes that breakdown carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

d. Carcinogenic molecules that bind to specific cell receptors and change cell chemistry.

 

2.  The following factors are known contribute to the development of cancer in some people.

a. Infants being exposed to pesticides.

b. Immune system deficiencies in older people

c. Infant's increased intake of amounts of carcinogens in breast milk.

 

III. What are the risk factors associated with cancer? Read Possible Causes and Prevention of Cancer . Focus your attention on the Chemicals and Other Substances section of the reading.

1. List five possible causes of cancer in the box below. Click in the box to activate it.