To determine: The meaning of inheriting an increased probability of acquiring a certain form of cancer.
Introduction: Cancer is defined as the condition in which the cells start showing abnormal and uncontrolled growth. The main causes of this condition are mutations which affect the property of contact inhibition among different types of cells. The substances causing the mutation are called carcinogens. Genomic sequencing is the latest technique focused on studying different aspects of genes that contribute to cancer development and also different genetic mutations that can cause cancer.
To determine: The subsequent event(s) that must occur after acquiring a certain form of cancer.
Introduction: Cancer genes are mostly present in the autosomes and are not inherited by a person. This type of cancer is called sporadic cancer and if the mutation occurs in the germ cells it can be inherited by the offspring and this type of cell is called familial cancer.
Trending nowThis is a popular solution!
Chapter 12 Solutions
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues
- Explain what it means when cancer is said to have a hereditary component.arrow_forwardIs Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) responsible for invasion and/or metastasis of tumors? Explain.arrow_forwardExplain the following statements in 4-6 lines each: Premalignant (hyperplastic or dysplastic) cells are probably present in the organs of the body of a normal (not suffering from cancer) person.arrow_forward
- Define the Cancer as a Multistep Process ?arrow_forwardWhat are the underlying biological mechanisms that differentiate the various types of cancer, and how can a better understanding of these mechanisms lead to more targeted and effective treatments for each specific type of cancer?arrow_forwardWhat may account for the increased incidence of cancer among elderly people?arrow_forward
- How many people in the United States (and the world if possible) are affected by the cancer disease?arrow_forwardHereditary retinoblastoma generally affects children in both eyes, while spontaneous retinoblastoma usually occurs during adulthood only in one eye. Explain the genetic basis for the epidemiological distinction between these two forms of retinoblastoma. Explain the apparent paradox: loss-of-function mutations in tumor-suppressor genes act recessively, yet hereditary retinoblastoma is inherited as an autosomal dominant.arrow_forwardWhy is the tumor microenvironment important to cancer progression?arrow_forward
- What types of observations allow a pathologist to identify the tissue of origin of a tumor? Why are certain tumors difficult to assign a specific tissue of origin? What is the importance of assigning a specific tissue of origin?arrow_forwardJudy J. was first diagnosed at age 14 with an inoperable cancer. Specialists anticipated that she would not live to celebrate her 17th birthday, but conceded that it was possible, though unlikely, that she could live to her 21st birthday. The treatment options proposed are both painful and debilitating and there is no guarantee of additional years of life even if the more aggressive therapy is undertaken. In the alternative, palliative and comfort care measures will ease the symptoms, and Judy is projected to have a better quality, if not quantity of life. Judy's parents are torn between the decision of opting for more "humane" therapies that will keep their daughter comfortable in her final days or opting for the aggressive therapy that will hopefully ensure that their daughter will have an extended lifespan. They also feel that Judy, who is an excellent student and has many friends, should have some decision in what is finally decided. Applying the ethical principles of beneficence…arrow_forwardPlatelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is, as its name suggests, stored in and secreted by platelets. Platelets release PDGF in the vicinity of wounds as part of their participation in the clotting response. PDGF, in turn, stimulates the proliferation of nearby fibroblasts, which help in the wound healing process. When, however, the PDGF gene is mutated or inappropriately expressed, it can lead to cancer. Why, then, does the wound healing response not lead to similar uncontrolled cell division?arrow_forward
- Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...BiologyISBN:9781305251052Author:Michael CummingsPublisher:Cengage LearningHuman Biology (MindTap Course List)BiologyISBN:9781305112100Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillanPublisher:Cengage Learning