Let's review the process of cell division and apply our understanding of the cell cycle to a common illness that effects millions of people every year: cancer. Before you get started, don’t forget to print out your OnTRACK Biology Journal.
TEKS Standards and Student Expectations
B(5) The student knows how an organism grows and the importance of cell differentiation. The student is expected to:
B(5)(D) recognize that disruptions of the cell cycle lead to diseases such as cancer
Learning Objectives
Compare and contrast healthy cell division with cancerous cell growth.
Explain how cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell division.
Describe the safeguards cells have to prevent cancerous cell growth.
Relate mutations in DNA to cancer and describe possible causes of mutations.
Essential Questions
How is healthy cell division different from cancerous cell growth?
Why is cancer caused by uncontrolled cell division?
What safeguards do cells have to prevent cancerous cell growth?
What are some possible causes of mutations in DNA that could lead to cancer?
What specific lifestyle choices can you make to reduce your risk of developing cancer?
Vocabulary
- Cell Cycle
- Cyclins
- Cancer
- Contact Inhibition
- Benign
- Malignant
- Metastasis
- Carcinogens