2. Changes to a Cell’s DNA

3. 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?

4. 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

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

6. Mutations

7. Mutations

8. 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%)

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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%)

13. 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)

14. 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?

15. 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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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

22. 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?

23. 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

24. 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 