Textbook Question
Radiation is frequently used as part of the treatment of cancer. The radiation works by damaging DNA and components of the cell. Under what circumstances do you think radiation treatment is a good choice to treat cancer?
Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution64
- Ch. 2 - Transmission Genetics144
- Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity81
- Ch. 4 - Gene Interaction87
- Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes103
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages73
- Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication71
- Ch. 8 - Molecular Biology of Transcription and RNA Processing79
- Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation110
- Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization100
- Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination86
- Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage90
- Ch. 13 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes38
- Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics72
- Ch. 15 - Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications69
- Ch. 16 - Genomics: Genetics from a Whole-Genome Perspective49
- Ch. 17 - Organelle Inheritance and the Evolution of Organelle Genomes27
- Ch. 18 - Developmental Genetics43
- Ch. 19 - Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits66
- Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels105
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.6b
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.6bChapter 14, Problem C.6b
Radiation is frequently used as part of the treatment of cancer. The radiation works by damaging DNA and components of the cell. Is there a risk of damage to noncancer cells?
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Understand that radiation therapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells by damaging their DNA, which prevents them from replicating and surviving.
Recognize that noncancerous (normal) cells in the vicinity of the treatment area can also be exposed to radiation, as the radiation is not perfectly selective.
Consider that DNA damage in noncancer cells can lead to cell death or mutations, which may cause side effects or long-term risks such as secondary cancers.
Explore the concept of differential sensitivity, where some normal cells may be more resistant or able to repair DNA damage better than cancer cells, influencing the extent of risk.
Conclude that while radiation therapy aims to minimize harm to normal cells, there is an inherent risk of damage to noncancer cells due to the nature of radiation exposure.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Mechanism of Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing their replication and leading to cell death. It targets rapidly dividing cells but can also affect other cells in the treatment area.
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DNA Damage and Repair
Radiation causes breaks and mutations in DNA strands. While cancer cells often have impaired repair mechanisms, normal cells can sometimes repair this damage, but excessive damage may lead to cell death or mutations.
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Effects on Noncancerous Cells
Noncancerous cells near the radiation site can also be damaged because radiation is not perfectly selective. This can cause side effects and risks, as healthy tissue may be harmed during treatment.
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