Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

Genetics

19. Cancer Genetics

Overview of Cancer

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1:59 minutes

Problem C.2b

Textbook Question

A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. Give an example from this chapter of a benign tumor that becomes a malignant tumor.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the definitions: A benign tumor is a non-cancerous growth that does not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body, while a malignant tumor is cancerous and can invade and metastasize.

Recall examples from the chapter where a benign tumor can progress to a malignant tumor, such as an adenoma (a benign tumor of glandular tissue) that can develop into an adenocarcinoma (a malignant tumor).

Identify the process of tumor progression, which involves genetic mutations and changes in cell behavior that allow the benign tumor cells to become invasive and malignant.

Consider specific examples like colon polyps (benign adenomas) that can transform into colorectal cancer (malignant adenocarcinoma) through accumulation of mutations in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Summarize by explaining that benign tumors like adenomas can become malignant tumors like adenocarcinomas through genetic changes that promote uncontrolled growth and invasiveness.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Benign Tumors

Benign tumors are non-cancerous growths of cells that grow slowly and do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. They are usually encapsulated and less harmful but can sometimes cause problems depending on their size and location.

Malignant Tumors

Malignant tumors are cancerous growths characterized by uncontrolled cell division, invasion of surrounding tissues, and the potential to metastasize to distant organs. They pose serious health risks and require aggressive treatment.

Tumor Progression from Benign to Malignant

Some benign tumors can accumulate genetic mutations over time that enable them to become malignant. This progression involves changes in cell behavior, such as loss of growth control and increased invasiveness, exemplified by adenomas transforming into carcinomas in certain tissues.

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