Changes to a Cell’s DNA

Changes to a Cell’s DNA DNA is like the operating system of the cell It controls all your body’s functions What happens when DNA is altered?

Changes in a Cell’s DNA If the DNA in a gene has been changed in some way, it is often repaired by the DNA’s repair mechanism If it is not repaired, the RNA molecule will contain instructions that are altered Affects the downward stream of events

Mutations A change in the DNA (or the genetic code) Can be: Beneficial Malaria Resistance Neutral No effect Harmful May lead to Cancer

Mutations

Mutations

Malaria An illness caused by a parasite that invades Red Blood Cells Transmitted by mosquitoes In 2012, killed 627,000 people Most in Africa (90%)

Malaria Resistance Malaria Resistance Hemoglobin mutation named HbC (RBCs) People w/one copy of gene = 29% less likely to get malaria Two copies = 93% reduction in risk

Other Mutations As stated before, some mutations have no effect (or at least no known effect) Of course, other mutations can lead to harmful damage, like cancer

Statistics Number off 1-5 All 2s, 3s, and 4s stand up Approximate representation of population that will have children About 60% All 1s, 2s, 3s, and 5s stand up Approximate representation of world’s maple syrup that is made in Quebec (77%)

Statistics All 4s stand up All 1s and 5s stand up Represents the amount of the world’s fresh water that is in Canada (20%) All 1s and 5s stand up Represents the world’s population that lives on less than $2 a day (40% or about 3 billion people)

Statistics All 2s and 3s stand up This is the approximate representation of population that will develop cancer (40-45%) Who here knows a close friend or family member who has/had cancer?

Cancer Harmful mutations may cause cancer Cancer is a disease in which cells divide very rapidly and uncontrollably A mutation in the genes that control cell-division process in the cell cycle causes cell division to go out of control

Characteristics of Cancer Cells As cancer cells continue to divide they accumulate in abnormal masses Two types of tumors: Benign Malignant

Benign Tumors Masses of cells that grow, but stay in one place Usually do not interfere with functioning Usually can be removed via surgery Example: Warts

Malignant Tumors Invade surrounding tissues Interfere with normal functions of tissues and organs

Cancer Cells Use more nutrients than normal cells Do not function the same as normal cells Can spread to different parts of the body Metastasis

Causes of Cancer Carcinogen = any substance that cause cancer Pesticides, x-rays, viruses, tobacco, aspartame, etc

Questions… How exactly does cancer spread? How is cancer treated? Billions of dollars have been spent on curing cancer. Why do we not have a cure for it already?

Cancer Videos Since cancer is so relevant to our society, we will be watching a couple of short clips that discuss it in greater depth You will be submitting a ½ page single-spaced reflection on the cancer videos we watch You are encouraged to take notes on a separate sheet of paper

Questions to focus on for Reflection What are some causes of cancer? Why do we not have a cure? Why is cancer a problem in our bodies? What are some common treatments? What did you find interesting? Remember, this is not a report. Please include your own thoughts 