Unit 4: Cell Cycle Regulation & Cancer DCA Review - Flashcards

Front

Cancer is best described as ________________.

Back

unregulated cells that do not correctly function and continually divide due to DNA mutations that turn off cell cycle controls.

Answer explanation

Cancer is characterized by unregulated cell growth and division due to DNA mutations that disrupt normal cell cycle controls, making the correct choice the one that highlights these aspects.

Front

Any substance known to cause cancer is called a ________.

Back

carcinogen

Answer explanation

Any substance that can lead to cancer is termed a carcinogen. This distinguishes it from viruses, which can cause infections, and mutagens, which cause genetic mutations. Therefore, the correct answer is carcinogen.

Front

An abnormal mass of unregulated cells that continue dividing is a ___________

Back

tumor

Answer explanation

A tumor is an abnormal mass of unregulated cells that continue dividing uncontrollably. Unlike specialized cells, cysts, or stem cells, tumors are characterized by their excessive growth and lack of normal regulatory mechanisms.

Front

Cancerous cells that break off a tumor, spread through the body, and invade healthy tissues have gone through the process of _______________.

Back

metastasis

Answer explanation

Cancerous cells that break off a tumor and spread to invade healthy tissues undergo metastasis. This process allows cancer to spread throughout the body, making 'metastasis' the correct term for this phenomenon.

Front

In which stage of the cell cycle are DNA mutations most likely to occur? G1, S, G2, Mitosis

Back

S

Answer explanation

DNA mutations are most likely to occur during the S phase of the cell cycle, as this is when DNA replication takes place. Errors can happen during the copying process, leading to mutations.

Front

________________are critical points where stop and go signals regulate the cell cycle. Options: Gateways, Checkpoints, External factors, Cell contact

Back

Checkpoints

Answer explanation

Checkpoints are critical points in the cell cycle where regulatory signals determine whether the cell should proceed with division or halt. They ensure proper cell function and prevent errors during division.

Front

Type of tumor that remains in the original tissue and does not spread through the body and harm other tissues.

Back

Benign

Answer explanation

A benign tumor remains localized in its original tissue and does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body, unlike malignant tumors which are cancerous and can metastasize.

Front

Cells that are in contact with other cells ____________ ; cells that have space around them _____________.

Back

don't divide; divide

Answer explanation

Cells that are in contact with other cells don't divide due to contact inhibition, while cells with space around them are free to divide. Thus, the correct answer is: don't divide; divide.

Front

Which of the following is an external chemical signal required for cell division?

• Cell contact with other cells
• Growth factor hormones (GFH)
• Cell Cycle Checkpoints
• All of these

Back

Growth factor hormones (GFH)

Answer explanation

Growth factor hormones (GFH) are essential external signals that stimulate cell division. While cell contact and checkpoints are important, GFH specifically triggers the division process.

Front

Cancerous cells use the ________________________ systems to travel through the body and invade healthy tissue.

Back

circulatory & lymphatic

Answer explanation

Cancerous cells primarily use the circulatory and lymphatic systems to spread throughout the body and invade healthy tissues, as these systems transport cells and fluids, facilitating metastasis.