Cell BiologyDefinitions
Key Terms You Must Know
Part of Cancer and Cell Division Control — GCSE Biology
This definitions covers Key Terms You Must Know within Cancer and Cell Division Control for GCSE Biology. Cancer development, cell cycle control mechanisms, tumor formation, risk factors, prevention methods, and treatment approaches It is section 10 of 18 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
Topic position
Section 10 of 18
Practice
18 questions
Recall
22 flashcards
Key Terms You Must Know
- Cancer
- A group of diseases caused by uncontrolled cell division resulting from mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle.
- Tumour
- A mass of cells produced by uncontrolled cell division. Can be benign or malignant.
- Benign tumour
- A tumour that grows slowly, remains in one place, is enclosed in a capsule, and does not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body.
- Malignant tumour
- A cancerous tumour that grows rapidly, invades surrounding tissues, and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
- Metastasis
- The process by which cancer cells break away from the original tumour, travel through the blood or lymph, and establish secondary tumours in distant organs.
- Mutation
- A change in the DNA base sequence of a gene. Mutations in genes controlling the cell cycle can lead to cancer.
- Carcinogen
- A substance or form of radiation that causes cancer by damaging DNA and triggering mutations.
- Oncogene
- A mutated version of a normal gene (proto-oncogene) that promotes cell division. When overactive, it acts like a stuck accelerator, causing uncontrolled division.
- Tumour suppressor gene
- A gene that normally slows or stops cell division. When mutated or inactivated, it acts like failed brakes, allowing cells to divide unchecked.
Must Memorise: Cancer = uncontrolled cell division caused by gene mutations. Benign = stays put, no spread. Malignant = invades and spreads. A carcinogen is anything that causes DNA mutations leading to cancer.