Read How Cancer Cells Escape Normal Controls
The questions move from transformation to abnormal growth, detection and treatment. Link each clue to the control that has changed.
Living-system questions are solved by matching a structure or organism to its function, process and stated condition.
From normal cells to neoplasia
Carcinogens can promote oncogenic transformation through genetic damage and mutations. Normal cells usually show contact inhibition: they reduce proliferation when they touch neighbouring cells. Cancer cells commonly lose this restraint, allowing uncontrolled growth and possible invasion.
Recognise abnormal tissue
Histopathology looks at tissue architecture and cell appearance. A high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and prominent nucleoli are common indicators of abnormal proliferative activity.
Match treatment to mechanism
Chemotherapy can target rapidly dividing cells, although healthy rapidly dividing tissues can also be affected. α-interferon is a biological response modifier that activates immune responses against tumours. Avoid assuming that all treatments act only on cancer cells.
OlympIQ exam lens
- ✓Carcinogens can contribute to mutations and oncogenic transformation.
- ✓Normal contact inhibition restrains proliferation.
- ✓High nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and prominent nucleoli are histological clues.
- ✓α-interferon is an immune response modifier.
The exam statement that chemotherapy affects cancer cells more efficiently is a simplified model; rapidly dividing normal cells may also be harmed.
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