Cell cycle & cancer

• What are the two types of cell division in eukaryotic cells?

  Mitosis and meiosis
• What does mitosis produce?

  2 genetically identical diploid daughter cells
• What are the functions of mitosis?

  Growth, replacement of lost cells, repairing tissue, immune response, and formation of tumours
• What happens to DNA during interphase?

  It is replicated/doubled
• How many new cells are formed during mitosis?

  Two
• What is cancer caused by?

  A growth disorder of cells
• How does a malignant tumour form?

  There is damage to the genes that regulate the cell cycle which leads to uncontrolled growth & division of cells. A tumour is a group of abnormal cells that can develop and constantly expand in size
• What are the differences between malignant and benign tumours?

  Malignant tumours grow rapidly, are less compact and more likely to be life threatening whereas benign tumours grow more slowly, are more compact and less likely to be life threatening
• What does treatment of cancer involve?

  Killing dividing cells by blocking a part of the cell cycle
• How do chemotherapy drugs treat cancer?

  Disrupt the cell cycle by: Preventing DNA from replicating or inhibiting the metaphase stage by interfering with spindle fibre formation
• Why are more cancer cells killed than normal cells during cancer treatment?

  Cancer cells have faster rate of division than normal cells, they are damaged to a greater degree.