Deck 22: Genes and Disease: Cancer

Question 1

Which of the following would NOT be a characteristic of a benign tumor?

A) enclosed by a capsule of connective tissue
B) well differentiated
C) slow growth
D) metastatic
E) usually not life threatening

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Cancerous growths appear to grow faster than the tissues around them because

A) their mitosis rates are higher.
B) they do not stop dividing even when crowding occurs.
C) the cancer cells inhibit the reproduction of the surrounding normal cells.
D) their mitosis rates are higher, and they do not stop dividing even when crowding occurs.
E) their mitosis rates are higher, they do not stop dividing even when crowding occurs, and the cancer cells inhibit the reproduction of the surrounding normal cells.

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which term refers to the processes by which cells with identical genotypes become structurally and functionally distinct from one another?

A) metamorphosis
B) metastasis
C) cleavage
D) differentiation
E) induction

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Cancer cells

A) have altered plasma membranes.
B) are unable to attach to other cells.
C) divide to produce high densities of cells.
D) form pseudopodia enabling them to move about.
E) all of these

Question 5

How many people in the United States are struck by cancer?

A) five in ten
B) one in three
C) seven in ten
D) two in five
E) three in eight

Question 6

When a normal cell is transformed into a cancerous cell,

A) the cytoskeleton shrinks.
B) the cytoskeleton becomes disorganized.
C) plasma proteins are altered or lost.
D) new plasma proteins are created.
E) all of these

Question 7

Under the microscope, cancerous tumors

A) display well-differentiated cells.
B) have ragged edges.
C) appear highly organized.
D) are of normal cell size and appearance.
E) have very little vascular supply.

Question 8

By analogy, a tumor suppressor gene would correspond to what part of an automobile?

A) accelerator
B) engine
C) windshield
D) fuel tank
E) brake

Question 9

By analogy, an oncogene would correspond to what part of an automobile?

A) accelerator
B) engine
C) windshield
D) fuel tank
E) brake

Question 10

Cancer cells are able to stimulate the growth of blood vessels by secreting

A) interleukin-2.
B) p53.
C) angiogenin.
D) aflatoxin.
E) monoclonal antibodies.

Question 11

Proto-oncogenes

A) code for abnormal growth factors.
B) are the precursors to malignancy.
C) operate in healthy cells.
D) cannot be altered once they are inherited.
E) code for abnormal growth factors and are the precursors to malignancy.

Question 12

The transformation of a normal cell into a cancer cell is called

A) oncogenesis.
B) cytogenesis.
C) parthenogenesis.
D) metastasis.
E) carcinogenesis.

Question 13

An abnormal change in the size, shape, and organization of cells is called

A) dysplasia.
B) hyperplasia.
C) dystrophy.
D) hypertrophy.
E) neoplasia.

Question 14

Which hormone is produced by some kinds of cancer cells?

A) somatotropin (hGH)
B) follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
C) luteinizing hormone (LH)
D) human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)
E) thyroxine

Question 15

Which of the following statements is false?

A) Cancer cells do not respond to crowding.
B) Cancer cells continue to divide when they come in contact with neighboring cells.
C) In a cancerous tumor, more cells are dividing than are dying.
D) Cancer cells do adhere to cells next to them.
E) Cancer cells always divide more rapidly than normal cells.

Question 16

Overgrowth of tissue resulting in an abnormal enlargement is referred to as

A) anaplasia.
B) hypoplasia.
C) aplasia.
D) hypertrophy.
E) hyperplasia.

Question 17

The spread of a cancer from one site to others in the body is known as

A) benign tumor.
B) metastasis.
C) malignant tumor.
D) remission.
E) benign tumor and malignant tumor.

Question 18

A mutation in a tumor suppressor gene would most likely

A) have no effect on cells.
B) decrease the possibility of cancer.
C) lead to the production of cancer suppressing proteins.
D) increase the possibility of cancer.
E) change proto-oncogenes to oncogenes.

Question 19

Which of the following terms is most synonymous with "tumor"?

A) cancer
B) dysplasia
C) neoplasm
D) oncogene
E) metastasis

Question 20

Which of the following would NOT be characteristic of a cancer cell?

A) abnormally small nucleus
B) abnormal cytoskeleton
C) less cytoplasm than usual
D) altered plasma membrane
E) lack of strong cell-to-cell junctions

Question 21

Which of the following is a chemical carcinogen?

A) asbestos
B) vinyl chloride
C) benzene
D) hydrocarbons
E) all of these

Question 22

Cancers of the epithelium are called

A) sarcomas.
B) leukemias.
C) carcinomas.
D) lymphomas.
E) adenocarcinomas.

Question 23

Lung cancer has been linked to

A) asbestos.
B) ether.
C) chromium.
D) nickel.
E) all of these.

Question 24

The specific name given to a cancer-producing chemical is

A) pathogen.
B) carcinogen.
C) teratogen.
D) mutagen.
E) oncogene.

Question 25

Which factor suppresses the immune system for an extended period of time?

A) depression
B) anxiety
C) some therapeutic drugs
D) infection with HIV
E) all of these

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a method by which an oncogene can be turned on?

A) mutation
B) translocation
C) deletion of the proto-oncogene
D) viral invasion
E) activation of a tumor suppressor gene

Question 27

Half of all cancers are caused by

A) viruses.
B) bacteria.
C) immune suppressing drugs.
D) environmental factors.
E) medications.

Question 28

Pesticide residues are commonly found in

A) tomatoes.
B) grapes.
C) apples.
D) beef.
E) all of these.

Question 29

For most people, the greatest radiation risk leading to cancer is

A) medical and dental X rays.
B) cosmic rays.
C) radon gas.
D) sun exposure.
E) nuclear reactors and radioactive wastes.

Question 30

The usual, naturally-occurring mechanism that prevents development of cancer is the action of

A) cytotoxic T cells.
B) oncogenes.
C) radiation.
D) chemotherapy.
E) carcinogens.

Question 31

A fungus that attacks stored grain and peanuts may cause cancer due to the production of

A) hydrocarbons.
B) aflatoxin.
C) pokeweed mitogen.
D) colchicine.
E) hemotoxin.

Question 32

Heredity plays a role in

A) familial breast cancer.
B) colorectal cancer.
C) lung cancer.
D) both familial breast cancer and lung cancer.
E) familial breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer.

Question 33

The carcinogenic chemicals found in greatest concentration in foods are

A) heavy metals.
B) alcohols.
C) PVCs.
D) pesticides.
E) PCBs.

Question 34

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are classified as which type of genes?

A) oncogenes
B) tumor suppressor genes
C) proto-oncogenes
D) restriction genes
E) cell metabolism control genes

Question 35

The p53 gene

A) is a tumor suppressor gene.
B) turns on proto-oncogenes.
C) signals cells to stop division at the appropriate time.
D) can mutate by a base substitution.
E) all of these

Question 36

The Ames test to determine the ability of chemicals to cause mutations uses which bacteria?

A) Salmonella
B) Shigella
C) Staphylococcus
D) Streptococcus
E) Escherichia

Question 37

Viruses can cause cancer in a host cell by

A) disrupting the plasma membrane.
B) altering the DNA.
C) slowing its metabolism.
D) destroying the nucleus.
E) removing gene sequences.

Question 38

Leukemias have been linked to exposure to

A) hydrocarbons.
B) vinyl chloride.
C) benzene.
D) arsenic.
E) asbestos.

Question 39

Heredity plays a major role in what percentage of cancers?

A) 50%
B) 25%
C) 5%
D) 10%
E) 80%

Question 40

Why is cancer more prevalent in older individuals?

A) Cancer cells form at a faster rate.
B) More mutations develop with age.
C) The protective action of cytotoxic T cells breaks down with age.
D) Cancers learn to disguise themselves as "self" with time.
E) Older people tend to be exposed to more dangerous chemicals.

Question 41

Which of the following is a goal of chemotherapy?

A) disruption of the normal cell cycle
B) alteration of the plasma membrane
C) increasing the secretion of interleukins
D) stimulating production of cytotoxic T cells
E) turning on tumor suppressor genes

Question 42

A therapy that combines surgery with less toxic doses of chemotherapy is

A) modified chemotherapy.
B) adjuvant therapy.
C) immunotherapy.
D) radiation.
E) chelation.

Question 43

A smart way to help your body to avoid cancer is

A) avoid smoking.
B) maintain a desirable weight.
C) drink alcohol in moderation.
D) avoid industrial agents that are carcinogenic.
E) all of these.

Question 44

Medical imaging may be used to

A) identify cancer cells in very early stages.
B) prevent cancer.
C) circumvent biopsy.
D) reveal the site and size of tumors.
E) find tumor markers.

Question 45

Cancers of nerve tissues in the brain are called

A) sarcomas.
B) leukemias.
C) gliomas.
D) lymphomas.
E) adenocarcinomas.

Question 46

Cancers of blood-forming regions are called

A) sarcomas.
B) leukemias.
C) carcinomas.
D) lymphomas.
E) adenocarcinomas.

Question 47

Monoclonal antibodies are useful in detecting cancer because they home in on

A) tumor antigens.
B) hormones released by the tumors.
C) interleukins.
D) oncogenes.
E) carcinogens.

Question 48

Which of the following is NOT a way to reduce cancer risk?

A) restrict alcohol intake
B) begin estrogen replacement therapy after menopause
C) maintain desirable weight
D) avoid tobacco
E) avoid direct sun exposure

Question 49

One procedure used to locate gene mutations is a(n)

A) MRI.
B) DNA probe.
C) CT scan.
D) x-ray.
E) blood chemistry analysis.

Question 50

Cancers of connective tissues such as bone are called

A) sarcomas.
B) leukemias.
C) carcinomas.
D) lymphomas.
E) adenocarcinomas.

Question 51

What may be used to deliver lethal doses of anticancer drugs to tumor cells while sparing healthy cells?

A) monoclonal antibodies
B) killer T cells
C) helper T cells
D) viruses
E) monocytes

Question 52

Selecting the Exception Four of the five answers listed below are forms of immune therapy for cancer. Select the exception.

A) interferon
B) fluorouracil
C) monoclonal antibodies
D) cytotoxic T cells
E) vaccines

Question 53

The most commonly used tool to confirm a diagnosis of cancer is

A) the monoclonal antibody.
B) medical imaging.
C) screening.
D) biopsy.
E) computerized tomography.

Question 54

Detection of cancer by blood testing depends on the presence of ____ in the blood.

A) malignant cells
B) mutant DNA
C) tumor markers
D) carcinogens
E) cytotoxic T cells

Question 55

Although useful so far only against some rare forms of cancer, interferons activate

A) B-lymphocytes.
B) dendritic cells and B-lymphocytes.
C) natural killer cells and cytotoxic T cells.
D) helper-T lymphocytes and dendritic cells.
E) fibroblasts and B-lymphocytes.

Question 56

Selecting the Exception Four of the five answers listed below are methods of cancer treatment. Select the exception.

A) chemotherapy
B) surgery
C) lymphokine-activated killer cells
D) adjuvant therapy
E) magnetic resonance imaging

Question 57

Which of the following cancers is the most common in women?

A) colon
B) breast
C) lung
D) skin
E) blood

Question 58

Cancers of glands or their ducts are called

A) sarcomas.
B) leukemias.
C) carcinomas.
D) lymphomas.
E) adenocarcinomas.

Question 59

Which of the following cancers is the most common in men?

A) colon
B) prostate
C) lung
D) skin
E) blood

Question 60

A warning sign of cancer is

A) a sore that does not heal.
B) a thickening or lump.
C) an obvious change in a wart or mole.
D) unusual bleeding.
E) all of these.

Question 61

Selecting the Exception Four of the five answers listed below are carcinogens. Select the exception.

A) egg white
B) asbestos
C) radiation with x-ray
D) components in cigarette smoke
E) ultraviolet radiation

Question 64

Selecting the Exception Four of the five answers listed below are descriptions of cancer cells. Select the exception.

A) abnormally-shaped nucleus
B) decline in ability to adhere to substrates
C) changes in the plasma membrane
D) abnormal growth and division
E) cytoplasm shrinks and becomes disorganized

Question 65

Selecting the Exception Four of the five answers listed below are methods of cancer detection. Select the exception.

A) biopsy
B) magnetic resonance imaging
C) monoclonal antibodies
D) interleukins
E) screening