The Eukaryotic Cell Cycle and Cancer - In Depth (HHMI)

Front

What are proto-oncogenes?

Back

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes that can become oncogenes due to mutations or increased expression. They typically code for proteins that stimulate cell division.

Front

What role do cyclins play in the cell cycle?

Back

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which are essential for cell cycle progression.

Front

What is the function of CDKs in the cell cycle?

Back

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are enzymes that, when activated by cyclins, phosphorylate target proteins to drive the cell cycle forward.

Front

Where does cell division primarily occur in the intestinal villus?

Back

Cell division primarily occurs in the crypts of the intestinal villus.

Front

What is the significance of dual inhibition in cancer therapy targeting MEK?

Back

Dual inhibition of MEK1 and MEK2 can enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments by targeting multiple pathways involved in tumor growth.

Front

How many mutated alleles are required for proto-oncogenes to cause cancer?

Back

Only one mutated allele is required for proto-oncogenes to cause cancer.

Front

What are tumor suppressor genes?

Back

Tumor suppressor genes are genes that help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes are mutated, they can lead to cancer.

Front

What is the role of apoptosis in cancer prevention?

Back

Apoptosis is programmed cell death that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells, preventing the proliferation of potentially cancerous cells.

Front

What is the difference between benign and malignant tumors?

Back

Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths that do not invade nearby tissues, while malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Front

What is the cell cycle?

Back

The cell cycle is a series of phases that a cell goes through to grow and divide, including interphase (G1, S, G2) and mitotic phase (M).