NAU Biology BIO 372
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BIO372 : Cancer

Cancer

Usually our bodies function as well integrated systems of cells, tissues, and organs, all contributing to a common goal. Checks and balances operate within the system so that the survival and success of the whole organism takes precedence over the well-being of individual components.

Occasionally, the checks and balances fail and some cells ignore the coordinating signals. Uncontrolled growth begins and can threaten the internal balance of the organism.

Most cancers take a long time to develop from the initial cellular changes, sometimes many years for cells to accumulate the mutations that transform them into malignancy. Furthermore, the majority of cancers result from exposure to substances from the environment that we can personally choose to avoid.

Killer T cells attack a cancer cell. Notice the tentacles of the cancer cell.

This image was found at http://www.cancer-info.com/cancerdeath.htm

Even when cells undergo the kinds of changes that lead to cancer, the body may find those aberrant cells and eliminate them before they develop into a tumor.

We will take a look at how the body controls cell division and gene expression, as well as at the conditions that lead to the escape from control, i.e., the changes that lead to cancer.

After completing this module, you should be able to:

To complete this module, you should:


E-mail Professor Gaud at William.Gaud@nau.edu
or call (520) 523-7516
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