Radiotherapy (treatment with ionizing radiation) is one of the most effective current cancer treatments. It works by damaging DNA and other cellular components. In which ways could radiotherapy control or cure cancer, and why does radiotherapy often have significant side effects?
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
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
19. Cancer Genetics
Overview of Cancer
Struggling with Genetics?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following statements about cancer is false?
A
Cancer stem cells exist to continue growing the tumor for some cancer types
B
Cancers are clona
C
Cancer is triggered only through external mutagens
D
Cancer can be caused by epigenetic changes

1
Understand the nature of cancer: Cancer is a complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. It can be influenced by various factors, including genetic mutations, environmental factors, and epigenetic changes.
Explore the concept of cancer stem cells: Cancer stem cells are a subset of cells within a tumor that possess the ability to self-renew and drive tumor growth. They are present in some types of cancer and contribute to the persistence and recurrence of the disease.
Examine the clonal nature of cancer: Cancer is often clonal, meaning it originates from a single cell that undergoes mutations and proliferates to form a tumor. This clonal expansion is a key feature of cancer development.
Consider the role of external mutagens: While external mutagens such as radiation and chemicals can trigger cancer by causing DNA damage, cancer can also arise from internal factors like genetic predispositions and spontaneous mutations.
Evaluate the impact of epigenetic changes: Epigenetic changes, which involve modifications in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, can also contribute to cancer development. These changes can affect the regulation of genes involved in cell growth and division.
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