Premium Essay

The Cellular Basis of Cancer

In:

Submitted By deryy
Words 1665
Pages 7
Cancer is a genetic disease characterised by deoxyribonucleic acid damage which causes irregular cell growth and changes in the genome (Hanahan and Weinberg 2000). Once cells become infected, the mechanisms that control cellular growth and division stop working and the cells become malignant. This process occurs in somatic cells (Hartl and Jones 2006). Malignant cells have two primary features: firstly, they are not capable of dividing and differentiating and secondly, they attack tissues and move around the body (Atlas of Pathophysiology). There are over one hundred different variations of cancer and within that there are two main subtypes of tumours which can be located in numerous organs (Hanahan and Weinberg 2000). The first subtype is oncogenes, which activates cell division and influences embryonic development whereas the second subtype is tumour suppressor genes, which stop cell division (Atlas of Pathophysiology). A healthy body can normally defend against cancer cells and its spread but once the immune system and other defence mechanisms fail, the cancerous tumours become threatening.
A primary cancer is a tumour that exists within an organism during the point when a normal cell converts to a tumour cell (Oppenheiner 2006). The infected tumour then grows and mutates which results in a constant pressure on near-by tissues. Due to the increase in pressure on the tissues, it then becomes the host to the tumour and thus the cancer. Recent research has identified that the immune system may also be responsible for the development of primary tumours. Dunn et al. (2004) states that primary tumours are emerging with significantly reduced immunogenicity and are capable of avoiding immune recognition and destruction.
Tumour cells do not always remain at the tissue of infection but however move throughout the body by one of two methods: invasion of tumour cells into

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Cellular Basis of Cancer

...Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide as it can develop in almost any organ or tissue. Significant advances in understanding the cellular basis of cancer and the underlying biological mechanisms of tumour has been vastly improved in the recent years (Jiang et al. 1994). Cancer is a genetic disease which requires a series of mutation during mitosis to develop, its characteristics can be associated with their ability to grow and divide abnormal cells uncontrollable while in the mean time invade and cause nearby blood vessels to serve its need. Even though many people are affected by cancer today, the abilities which cancer cells have make it hard to find a single effective treatment for cancer. The focus of research now lies in developing drugs which target cancer cells in the hope to cure cancer once and for all. There have been extraordinary progresses in identifying cancer at the cellular level and the question of how cancer cells develop are no longer a secret. Although there is many different types of cancer and almost every tissue can turn into malignancies, the basic processes of how cancer arises are very similar. While normal body cells follow the orderly path of cell cycle and only reproduce when instructed to do so, cancer cells violate the schedule and ignore instructions, it fails to follow the orderly enzymatic reaction which is responsible for the deletion of cells with damaged DNA (Kerr et al. 1994). Cancer cells enter the cell cycle repeatedly...

Words: 2314 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Cell Phones Do Not Cause Brain Cancer

...Cell Phones Do Not Cause Brain Cancer Abstract The effects of cellular phone use were examined with the attempt to find a correlation between increased brain cancer and increased cell phone use. Over the last 20 years, cellular phone use has become the primary form, and in many cases the only form, of communication. These devices use radio frequency technology to transmit and receive communications. There has been controversy around whether or not these radio frequency signals cause cancers in the brain when the devices are used and placed directly on the head. Multiple studies have not been able to prove a direct correlation between the use of cellular phones and brain cancer. Keywords: cellular phones, cancer, brain, radio frequency Cellular Phones Do Not Cause Brain Cancer Cellular phones became widely popular in the early 1990’s and have become a mainstream necessity to most people today. Many people now use cellular phones as their primary or only form of communication with most households abandoning traditional landline telephony. Technology has also evolved at such a tremendous pace that the majority now uses cellular devices as not only phones, but as computers as well. With the increased demand and the ability for manufacturers to reduce costs, these devices have also become more accessible and important to people of all ages, with the majority of users “in the age range of 18 to 49” (Anderson, 2015). As of 2014, “it is estimated that there are almost...

Words: 1069 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Tech

...the 20th century, radio waves are the basis for almost all non-written communication and most wireless technologies. They transmit signals that carry pictures, data, music and conversations over long distances. Many household products we consider necessary depend on radio waves. AM and FM radios, wireless networks, cordless and cellular telephones, radio-controlled toys, television programming, garage door openers and GPS receivers -- all of these, along with countless other devices, depend on silent, invisible radio waves to operate. Despite their importance, many people have become concerned about the possible negative health effects of excessive radio wave exposure. Specifically, the alleged culprits seem to be cell phones, which transmit their voice and data signals over radio waves, and cell phone towers, which route and receive these signals.  Experts disagree about the long-term effects of electromagnetic radiation generated communications infrastructure. However, if there is a problem with cellular technology, it is probably not coming directly from the towers. Any potential danger is likely to be more worrisome for those who personally use cell phones, because the phones are directly against their heads. Also, cell towers operate at low power. This is part of what makes the cell phone system work properly. The level of power from a cell tower is similar that of a citizens' band (CB) radio. According to the American Cancer Society, the types of radio waves generated...

Words: 406 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Campbell Essential Biology

...6 Cellular Respiration: Obtaining Energy from Food Muscles in action. Sprinters, like all athletes, depend on cellular respiration to power their muscles. CHAPTER CONTENTS Energy Flow and Chemical Cycling in the Biosphere 92 Cellular Respiration: Aerobic Harvest of Food Energy 94 Fermentation: Anaerobic Harvest of Food Energy 101 CHAPTER THREAD Aerobic versus Anaerobic Lifestyles BIOLOGY AND SOCIETY Marathoners versus Sprinters THE PROCESS OF SCIENCE What Causes Muscle Burn? EVOLUTION CONNECTION Life before and after Oxygen 91 102 103 Aerobic versus Anaerobic Lifestyles BIOLOGY AND SOCIETY Marathoners versus Sprinters Track-and-field athletes usually have a favorite event in which they excel. Some runners specialize in sprints of 100 or 200 meters. Others excel at longer races of 1,500, 5,000, or even 10,000 m. It is unusual to find a runner who competes equally well in both 100-m and 10,000-m races; most runners are more comfortable running races of particular lengths. It turns out that there is a biological basis for such preferences. The muscles that move our legs contain two main types of muscle fibers: slow-twitch and fast-twitch. Slow-twitch muscle fibers can contract many times over a longer period but don’t generate a lot of quick power for the body. They perform better in endurance exercises requiring slow, steady muscle activity, such as marathons. Fast-twitch muscle fibers can contract more quickly and powerfully than slow-twitch fibers but also...

Words: 24897 - Pages: 100

Premium Essay

Journal1

...Essay Nonheritable Cellular Variability Accelerates the Evolutionary Processes of Cancer Steven A. Frank1,2*, Marsha Rich Rosner3 1 Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America, 2 Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America, 3 Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America Summary: Recent cancer studies emphasize that genetic and heritable epigenetic changes drive the evolutionary rate of cancer progression and drug resistance. We discuss the ways in which nonheritable aspects of cellular variability may significantly increase evolutionary rate. Nonheritable variability arises by stochastic fluctuations in cells and by physiological responses of cells to the environment. New approaches to drug design may be required to control nonheritable variability and the evolution of resistance to chemotherapy. Cancer progression is a series of evolutionary changes. Those changes include enhanced cellular proliferation, reduced cellular death by abrogating normal apoptotic mechanisms, greater invasiveness by increased expression of proteases, and improved colonizing ability to achieve metastasis [1]. In response to drug treatment, cancer cells often evolve resistance and continue to spread. Each evolutionary step typically proceeds by acquisition of genetic or heritable epigenetic changes...

Words: 7532 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Cancer as a Genetic Disease Summary

...Cancer as a Genetic Disease Summary Presented by: Charles Sawyers MD Cancer research has been transformed into a disease-focused examination, which allows medical investigators to find the causes for a specific cancer and treat the cancer in a more targeted way. This transformation into a disease oriented research was made a reality by advances in DNA sequencing technologies, which allow scientists to understand the underlying causes of cancer and develop cancer-specific drugs. These technologies can sequence the DNA of the tumors in cancer patients, and will enable scientists to discover and chart the DNA mutations which lead to cancer. Thus, cancer research has entered a new phase, in which the main question is not what causes cancer, but how this information can be used to treat cancer more efficiently. This establishes the foundation of any research group; that understanding the mechanics behind the process is the only way that solutions can be formulated. Cancer is a proliferation of cells in our body, the unchecked division of our body cells, which often results in the formation of tumors. This rapid division of cells in our body can result in either a benign or malignant tumor. A benign, or non-invasive, tumor does not infect the entire body, but confines itself to its place of origin. This type of tumor does not generally result in the death of the patient. However, if a tumor infects its surrounding cells, and eventually infects the rest of the body, it is called...

Words: 1117 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Factors Affecting Consumer's Choice in Mobile Phones

...Proceedings of the International Conference on Non-Ionizing Radiation at UNITEN (ICNIR 2003) Electromagnetic Fields and Our Health 20th – October 2003 22nd Recent Research on Mobile Phones Effects Dr. Abdullah AlOrainy Inst. of Electronics Research, KACST P. O. Box: 230471, Riyadh 11321, Saudi Arabia E-mail: alorainy@kacst.edu.sa ABSTRACT The use of mobile phones always accompanied by the issue of health implications for human. Previous research studies show no evidence of the impacts of mobile phones to human health. New studies suggest that mobile radiation might double the risk of developing cancer on the side of the head used, increase brain activity, can cause damage to nerves around ears and, more importantly, damages the BBB. Also new research shows that biological effects are possible without any warming of tissues which impose of the current radiation exposure levels. KEYWORDS Mobile Radiation, Health Effects INTRODUCTION There are now about 1 Billion mobile phones in use worldwide, and it is expected to reach 1.6B lines by year 2005. In many countries, penetration rates of more than %50 has been reached. At present, there are approximately 4.5 million GSM subscribers in Saudi Arabia and STC has commissioned Ericsson and Nokia to expand its GSM network to 5.5 million lines (~ %20 penetration rate). This wide use of mobile technology have often raise the question about if there are health implications for human. In fact, there are conflicting reports relating to possible...

Words: 2922 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Fluids and Electrolyte Imbalance

...Lung cancer arises from the epithelial of the respiratory track. Lung cancer is the most severe cancer compare to the other cases of cancer. Lung cancer is the number one killer in United States and the world. In this country alone, there are 219440 new cases yearly and 159390 death yearly which is almost 57% of death yearly form lung cancer. These cases of lung cancer account for 14% of all cancer in men and 15% in women every year. (McCance, Huether, Brashers, & Rote, 2010, p. 1299). Although tobacco smoking is the number causes of lung cancer, there are some new cases of lung cancer arising every year without any cause. Cigarette smoking accounts for almost 90% of all lung cancer (http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/lung/basic_info/index.htm) . Other causes of lung cancer can include radon, asbestos, second hand smoking, family history, diet and air pollution. Lung cancer arises from a single changed epithelial cell in the tracheobronchial airways. A carcinogen from cigarette smoke or other predisposing factor like inherited gene bind to a cell DNA and damages it thereby resulting in multiple genetic abnormalities in bronchial cell which include deletion of chromosomes, activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressing genes. This damage results in cellular changes, abnormal cell growth and eventually a malignant cell. The DNA undergoes further changes and becomes unstable as the DNA is passed to daughter’s cell. With the accumulation of genetic changes, the pulmonary epithelium...

Words: 1673 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Cellular Effects

...Cellular Technology and Society Today , Political & Economic ., Health, Psychological & Sociological , Cellular Technology & History , Moral & Sociological DeVry University LAS432 Society, Ethics, and Technology   Abstract The following paper will discuss the psychological and sociological impact of cellular technology. Cellular technology has seen rapid growth in technology and in personal use. Texting has now become the dominant means of communication and actual conversation skills are diminishing. Exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular devices has become a concern and is being studied from many various angles to determine actual health risks from cell phone use. Whether it is for personal or business use, the cell phone has become a permanent fixture in our lives, could have potential health risks, and can become an addiction if necessary steps are not taken to control use and dependency.   Cellular Technology and Society Today At any store they are visible. They have their hand plastered to their ear or they are seemingly talking to no one. These are the cellphone users. Hayley Tsukayama, a writer for the Washington post asserts that according to the Pew Internet and Life Project only seventeen percent of Americans still have a land line and ninety percent own a cellphone. (Tsukayama, 2014) The largest contributor to this trend is convenience. Most cellular devices are small and easily portable, allowing the user to move around freely...

Words: 19048 - Pages: 77

Free Essay

Mobile Telecommunications and Health

...Collating and Interpreting the Scientific Data (Methodology)  5 5 Primary  Reciprocal  Effects  between  High  Frequency  Electromagnetic  Fields  and Biological Systems (Biophysical and Biochemical Processes)  3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4 Thermal Effects  3.1.1 Effects of Homogenous Warming  3.1.2 Microthermal Effects  Direct Field Effects  3.2.1 Effects from the Electrical Component of the Electromagnetic Field  3.2.2 Effects from the Magnetic Component of the Electromagnetic Field  Quantum Effects  Other Effects  Particular Properties of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields  Biological Primary Effects of High  Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Effects  on Cellular Level  4.1 4.2 4.3 5 Criteria for the Selection of Papers  Assessment Criteria  Gene Toxicity  Cellular Processes  4.2.1 Gene‐Transcription and Gene‐Translation  4.2.2...

Words: 23756 - Pages: 96

Premium Essay

Computer Waves

...space. There are two types of radiation exposure—82% is from natural resources such as cosmic and solar rays and 18% of the exposure is from man-made radiation. Radiation injures the body by destroying cells and parts of cells. It hinders cells from dividing which gives rise to cells which does not have the ability to reproduce. The reason why the researchers have chosen this topic is to stress out the hazardous effects of computer radiation.Long-term exposure to radiation increases the risk of all forms of cancer, tumors, blood disorders, miscarriage, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, aging of the skin, skin burn, etc. Radiation exposure over time can cause skin burn, dry wrinkled skin and photo aging. This skin damage is identical to sun damage and causes the same health problems. Many electronic products that we use on a daily basis expose us to harmful radiation. A television, microwave oven, cellular phone and computer are examples of products that emit radiation. To preserve your health use electronic products carefully, in ways that shield your body from radiation. Computer radiation is most harmful to skin health because we sit directly in front of the computer for long periods of time with our face absorbing the radiation. Lessening this type of harmful radiation is important. Computer radiation can make you feel...

Words: 309 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Biology: Concepts and Connections 5e Chapter 11

...Biology: Concepts and Connections, 5e (Campbell) Chapter 11: The Control of Gene Expression 1) Which of the following are problems created by cloning? A) Cloning endangered species may de-emphasize the need to preserve critical natural habitats. B) Cloning does not increase genetic diversity in the cloned species. C) Cloned animals are less healthy than animals created by natural methods. D) All of the choices are problems created by cloning. E) None of the choices are problems created by cloning. Topic: Introduction Skill: Factual Recall 2) The ability to use the nucleus from an adult somatic cell to create all of the cell types in a new organism demonstrates that development depends upon A) the control of gene expression. B) the timing of mitosis and meiosis. C) the timing of meiosis and cell migrations. D) the deposition of materials in the extracellular matrix. E) the position of cells within an embryo. Topic: Introduction Skill: Conceptual Understanding 3) The term gene expression refers to the A) fact that each individual of a species has a unique set of genes. B) fact that individuals of the same species have different phenotypes. C) process by which genetic information flows from genes to proteins. D) fact that certain genes are visible as dark stripes on a chromosome. E) flow of information from parent to offspring. Topic: 11.1 Skill: Conceptual Understanding 4) In a prokaryote, a group of genes with related functions, along...

Words: 3118 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Computer Radiation

...space. There are two types of radiation exposure—82% is from natural resources such as cosmic and solar rays and 18% of the exposure is from man-made radiation. Radiation injures the body by destroying cells and parts of cells. It hinders cells from dividing which gives rise to cells which does not have the ability to reproduce. The reason why the researchers have chosen this topic is to stress out the hazardous effects of computer radiation.Long-term exposure to radiation increases the risk of all forms of cancer, tumors, blood disorders, miscarriage, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, aging of the skin, skin burn, etc. Radiation exposure over time can cause skin burn, dry wrinkled skin and photo aging. This skin damage is identical to sun damage and causes the same health problems. Many electronic products that we use on a daily basis expose us to harmful radiation. A television, microwave oven, cellular phone and computer are examples of products that emit radiation. To preserve your health use electronic products carefully, in ways that shield your body from radiation. Computer radiation is most harmful to skin health because we sit directly in front of the computer for long periods of time with our face absorbing...

Words: 322 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Plant Paper

... * Nucleus: stores DNA, stores/processes genetic info; controls protein synthesis * Nucleolus: Synthesizes RNA and assembles ribosomal subunits * Golgi complex/apparatus: Works with ER to process substances into secretory granules or vesicles * Explain cell life cycle. * Interphase * Interval between cell divisions * Perform normal cellular functions * Mitosis * Prophase: Chromosomes coil and shorten, nuclear membrane dissolves. Each chromosome is made up of a pair of strands called chromatid * Metaphase: Centromeres divide, pulling chromosomes apart. Centromeres align themselves in the middle of the spindle. * Anaphase: The centromeres begin to separate and pull the newly replicated chromosomes toward opposite sides of the cell. By the end there are 46 chromosomes on each side of the cell. * Telophase- A new membrane forms around each 46 chromosomes. The spindle fiver disappear, cytokinesis occurs, and the cytoplasm divides, producing two identical new daughters cells. * Apoptosis: Cellular death * Meiosis: Reproduction of sex cells (sperm/ova) * Describe cell...

Words: 1428 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Eugenics: Health Benefits and the Future

...future. Eugenics is the study of genetically engineering enhanced humans. This genetic engineering is done through modification of certain traits on an embryonic level, to create a heritable trait. Once modified, these traits will be passed on to the offspring of this individual, as well as demonstrated in that particular individual. The traits that can be modified are as simple as hair color, eye color, skin color, ability to grow muscle mass, body build, etc. They can be as complex as prevention of cancer and other gene-based diseases. Gene modification to create enhanced humans is an evolutionary necessity. In the day and age where the aspects of oneself can be modified with enough money or enough time, it is only natural that society would progress to the point where they would want to modify their offspring. The prospect of eugenics (literally, "well born") is not new, it spans back to the 1800's, when Sir Francis Galton created the word to define the basis for inheritance of intellect. He theorized that through the process of uncontrolled breeding, the unintelligent were outweighing the intelligent. Galton was not too far off according to movies such as Idiocracy, where the world becomes exclusively populated by morons. In ancient Sparta, although lacking the technology present now, eugenics was practiced at childbirth and throughout life. If the person was deemed inadequate or non-beneficial in any way, it would be killed instantly (Hadden, 1930). ...

Words: 2771 - Pages: 12