PCL102H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Carrying Capacity, Douglas Hanahan
1 Feb 2018
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Document Summary
Gene mutation in a cell can result in uncontrolled division called cancer. Exposure of cells to certain chemicals and radiation increases mutations and thus the chance of cancer. The genetic information encoded in dna molecules provides instructions for assembling protein molecules. Changes in dna (mutations) occur spontaneously at low rates. Some of these changes make no difference to the organism, whereas others can change cells and organisms. Only mutations in germ cells can create the variation that changes an organism"s offspring. Cancer is a disease that affects people of all nationalities and age groups and all cancers start with mutations in one cell. There are many different types of cancers affecting different parts of the body. A cancer, or tumor, can occur in any organ or tissue of the human body. Solid tumors form lumps, while liquid tumors flow freely in the blood. All cancers start with mutations in one cell. Less than 10% of all cancer mutations are inherited.
