The cell cycle*The regular sequence of growth and division that some cells in
multicellular organisms undergo
Stages of the cell cycle*1. Interphase: Occupies most of cell cycle (90%),
sometimes known as resting phase as no division occurs
2. Nuclear Division: Mitosis: nucleus divides in two. Meiosis: nucleus divides in
four
3. Cytokinesis: Follows nuclear division and is the process by which the cytoplasm
divides to produce new cells
Cancer*A group of diseases (over 200) characterised by uncontrolled growth and
spread of abnormal cells
What is cancer the result of*Damage to the genes that regulate mitosis and the cell
cycle. Leads to uncontrolled growth and division of cells
Tumour*A group of abnormal cells which constantly expands in size
When does a tumour become cancerous*When it changes from benign to malignant
What is the rate of mitosis affected by*- Cell environment
- Growth factors
Controlled by two types of genes
Why does uncontrolled mitosis occur*Due to a mutation in one of the two genes. The
mutant cells are structurally and functionally different to normal cells and most
die
If mutant cells survive*They are capable of dividing to form clones and tumours
Malignant tumours*Grow rapidly and are less compact. Invade neighbouring tissues
and spread to different parts of the body in the blood where they form secondary
tumours. They are also known as cancers
Benign tumours*Grow slowly and are more compact. Growths of abnormal cells that are
contained in one area, usually within a membrane, and do not invade other tissues
How are cancer treatment designed*Designed to control the rate of cell division in
tumour cells by disrupting the cell cycle, killing the tumour cells
Downside of cancer treatments*Also disrupt the cell cycle of normal healthy cells
Which cells are cancer treatments more effective against*Rapidly diving cells
(tumours). Normal body cells which divide much more frequently than normal eg hair
cells are also vulnerable to damage
Targets of cancer treatments*- G1 (cell growth and protein production)
- S phase (DNA replication)
G1 (cell growth and protein production)*- Chemotherapy prevents synthesis of
enzymes needed for DNA replication
- If not produced: cell is unable to enter synthesis phase
- Disrupts cell cycle, forces cell to kill itself
What does chemotherapy do*- Prevents DNA from replicating
- Inhibits metaphase stage by interfering with spindle formation
S phase (DNA replication)*- Radiation and some drugs damage DNA
- If severe damage is detected, cell kills itself
- Prevents further growth
