Cell Cycle Regulation and Cancer

The video explains oncogenetics, focusing on the cell cycle and its phases, including G0, G1, S, G2, and M phases. It highlights the importance of checkpoints to prevent errors. Cyclins and CDKs are identified as key drivers of the cell cycle. The video discusses how genetic mutations can lead to cancer by activating oncogenes like Ras and Myc and inactivating tumor suppressor genes such as p53. These changes result in uncontrolled cell growth, bypassing normal checkpoints.

What is the primary purpose of checkpoints in the cell cycle?

• To speed up cell division

• To ensure there are no errors before proceeding

• To duplicate DNA

• To stop the cell cycle permanently

Which proteins are crucial for driving the cell cycle forward?

• Lipids and carbohydrates

• Cyclins and CDKs

• Enzymes and hormones

• Vitamins and minerals

What can result from an overproduction of cyclins and CDKs?

• Apoptosis

• Uncontrolled cell growth

• Cell cycle arrest

• DNA repair

Which type of genetic mutation involves a single nucleotide change?

• Epigenetic modification

• Point mutation

• DNA amplification

• Chromosomal rearrangement

What is the effect of DNA amplification in cancer cells?

• Causes cell death

• Prevents DNA replication

• Increases the number of gene copies

• Decreases gene expression

How does the activation of the Ras gene contribute to cancer?

• It repairs damaged DNA

• It induces cell death

• It leads to continuous activation of growth signals

• It stops cell growth

What role does the Myc gene play in normal cells?

• It inhibits cell growth

• It promotes cell growth and survival

• It repairs DNA

• It causes cell death

What is the function of p53 in normal cells?

• To amplify DNA

• To activate oncogenes

• To repair DNA and induce apoptosis if needed

• To promote cell division

What happens when p53 is inactivated in cancer cells?

• Cells undergo apoptosis

• Cells repair DNA

• Cells stop dividing

• Cells bypass checkpoints and continue to grow

Which of the following is NOT a tumor suppressor gene?

• APC

• p53

• Ras

• BRCA1