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Cell Cycle and Cancer Coloring

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Cell Cycle and Cancer Coloring

Follow a cell through its cycle, then investigate how failures in cell-cycle control can contribute to cancer. Use the information in the sections and the case study to support your answers.

The cell cycle

A cell grows, copies its DNA and divides in an ordered cycle. Interphase includes G1, S and G2. M phase includes mitosis and cytokinesis. Some cells can leave the cycle and enter G0.

1.During which phase is DNA replicated? State one reason accurate replication matters to the daughter cells.

2.Match each checkpoint with its main check.

G1 checkpoint
G2 checkpoint
M (spindle) checkpoint

Checks DNA replication is complete and DNA damage is addressed before mitosis
Checks that chromosomes are properly attached to spindle fibres before separation
Checks cell conditions, size and DNA damage before DNA synthesis

3.A cell has damaged DNA at the G1 checkpoint. What should happen if its control system is working?

It should pause the cycle for repair, or trigger cell death if the damage cannot be repaired.
It should copy the damaged DNA immediately.
It should skip S phase and divide.
It should enter mitosis without checking the DNA.

4.Some mature neurons remain in G0 for long periods. Explain what this means about their cell division, and distinguish G0 from a checkpoint pause.

When cell-cycle controls fail

Case study: In a tissue sample, one cell lineage acquires mutations that let cells keep dividing despite DNA damage. The cells also ignore signals from neighbouring cells to stop growing. Over time, a mass forms. Some abnormal cells later enter nearby tissue and travel to another part of the body.

5.From the case study, name two behaviours that differ from normal cell-cycle control.

6.What is the best distinction between a benign and a malignant tumour?

A benign tumour is always made of dead cells; a malignant tumour is made of living cells.
A benign tumour remains local and does not invade or metastasise; a malignant tumour can invade nearby tissue and may metastasise.
A benign tumour has no mutations; a malignant tumour always has exactly one mutation.
A benign tumour grows without cells; a malignant tumour grows only during S phase.

7.Explain how a mutation in a proto-oncogene can promote cancer, and how a mutation in a tumour-suppressor gene can promote cancer. Include the normal role of each gene type.

8.A drug blocks the spindle checkpoint. Predict one immediate risk during cell division and explain why it could affect the daughter cells.

9.In the case study, which observation most directly indicates metastasis rather than growth of the original tumour?

A mass forms at the original site.
Cells divide more often than neighbouring cells.
Abnormal cells enter nearby tissue and travel to another part of the body.
Cells ignore signals to stop growing.

10.Make a labelled sketch comparing a controlled cell division with uncontrolled division. Include a checkpoint or stop signal and show how the outcomes differ.