Cancer and the cell cycle

• The length of the cell cycle is controlled by

  genes
• DNA sequencing has identified specific gene mutations that affect the timing of the cell cycle
• What gene prevents rapid replication of cells

  Tumour suppressor genes
• If the tumour suppressor genes are mutated, then a tumour may form
• The name given to genes which have the potential to cause cancer if they mutate

  Proto oncogenes
• Genes with the potential to cause cancer

  Oncogenes
• What can cause the DNA to mutate

  1. Radiation
  2. Certain chemicals (carcinogenic)
  3. Some viruses
• Cancers are the result of ...

  uncontrolled mitosis
• A type of cell from the first immortal human cell line grown in culture

  HeLa cells
• To treat cancer, you can inhibit cell division with chemicals. However they are highly toxic and risk damaging normal cells along with cancer cells.