Question

sc.912.l.16.8 explain the relationship between mutation, cell cycle, and uncontrolled cell growth potentially resulting in cancer. students will generally be able to state that mutations that affect the proteins that regulate the cell cycle may result in uncontrollable cell growth

1. what is cancer? what goes wrong in cells?

Explanation:

Cancer is a disease where cells grow and divide uncontrollably, invading nearby tissues and spreading to other parts of the body. In cells, mutations (changes in DNA) often affect the genes that regulate the cell cycle (like tumor suppressor genes and proto - oncogenes). Tumor suppressor genes normally slow down or stop the cell cycle to prevent overgrowth, but when mutated, they may lose this function. Proto - oncogenes, when mutated, become oncogenes that promote uncontrolled cell division. Also, the checkpoints in the cell cycle (which ensure proper replication and division) may fail, leading to cells with damaged DNA dividing uncontrollably, forming tumors.

Answer:

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, often forming tumors and potentially spreading (metastasizing) to other parts of the body. In cells, mutations disrupt the normal regulation of the cell cycle: genes controlling cell cycle checkpoints (e.g., tumor suppressor genes that inhibit division, proto - oncogenes that promote division) are altered. Mutated tumor suppressor genes may lose their ability to stop abnormal cell division, and mutated proto - oncogenes (becoming oncogenes) drive excessive cell division. Cell cycle checkpoints fail, so cells with damaged DNA divide uncontrollably, evading normal growth - regulating mechanisms.