Download PROBLEMS WITH THE CELL CYCLE AND DNA REPLICATION

Cancer, Schmancer!
Cells in the human body are constantly dividing. This happens without our conscious knowledge in
order to replace lost skin cells, worn out red blood cells, lost intestinal cells, and many other reasons. The
process of cell division, though necessary, must be tightly controlled because if a cell is dividing too often it
doesn’t spend enough time doing its regular job (G1 and G2). Cell division happening too frequently can lead
to cancerous growth. In this assignment you will explore a particular cancer and express your learning and
research through either a script of a doctor – patient conversation or a record of a patient’s inner thoughts.
Cancer will be examined through the lens of the cell cycle and cell division.
Doctor - Patient Dialogue
 A script of a realistic (except as noted below)
dialogue between a caring, empathetic doctor and
a patient. The conversation centers on giving the
patient the news that they have been diagnosed
with a particular type of cancer.
 Describe the disorder in detail as a doctor would to
a patient so that they can understand it, but be sure
to use and explain proper biological vocabulary.
Patient’s Inner thoughts
 A realistic (except as noted below) written record of
a patient’s thoughts and feelings as they are
hearing about their diagnosis with a particular type
of cancer. This could take the form of a one sided
“thought bubble” inner dialogue, or personal
journal, or some other appropriate vehicle.
 Include a description of the disorder in detail as a
patient might be rehashing it to be sure they
understand it. Be sure to use and explain proper
biological vocabulary.
Cell Cycle/Cell Division


UNREALISTIC PART Describe the cell cycle including why mitosis is necessary and how
errors in the control of this process play a role in the cancer.
 Explain what cancer is-include the 5 ways cancer cells differ from normal cells
 Include in the discussion, the three types of malfunctioning genes associated with cancer
Proto-oncogene……oncogene (defective version) (MYC, RAS)
Tumor suppressor gene (p53, RB, FPC,APC, BRCA2, BRCA1
DNA repair genes (XP)
 Explain the probable role (if any) of external factors in the condition (“How’d I get it, Doc?” or “I
shouldn’t have done that!”). Environmental factors, viruses, bacteria
 Describe the mechanisms in which cancer can spread
 Describe possible treatmentS, side effects and prognosis
 Have a works cited page (APA format) for any source used other than your book.
Optional Extensions
Discuss tumor morphology
Screening & genetic testing
Discuss angiogenesis
Possible Cancer Types
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
Brain Tumors
Breast Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Gallbladder Cancer
Gastric Cancer
Liver Cancer (Hepatoma)
Small Intestine Cancer
Lung Cancer
Hodgkin's Disease
Non-Hodgkin's Disease
Prostate Cancer
Testicular Cancer
Skin Cancer
Bone cancer
Cancer, Schmancer!
Category
The cell cycle,
mitosis and
cancer basics
Exceptional
Description of the cell cycle and
mitosis is skillfully integrated
throughout writing piece.
Well Done
Description of the cell cycle and
mitosis is discussed in the writing
piece.
Description of cancer is HIGHLY
detailed. Includes an accurate
discussion of the three possible
malfunctioning types of genes, how
cancer cells differ from normal cells,
and the mechanisms in which
cancer can spread.
Description of cancer is detailed.
Includes discussion of the three
possible malfunctioning types of
genes, how cancer cells differ
from normal cells, and the
mechanisms in which cancer can
spread.
Clearly explains to the patient how
their behavior or other environmental
factors contributed. Includes
examples
Treatment
Discussion of case specific
treatment options is comprehensive:
all types of treatments currently used
are discussed along with prognosis
after treatment.
Discussion of case specific
treatment options includes
different types of treatments
currently used. Prognosis after
treatment is mentioned.
Thoroughly explains treatment
options and discusses effectiveness
and possible complications of
treatments.
Treatment options are explained
along with possible
complications of treatments.
Connects effects of treatment on
cancer cells AND healthy cells with
the process of mitosis.
Dialogue
Thoughtful, mature, and realistic
dialogue between doctor and
patient.
Connects effects of treatment on
cancer cells AND healthy cells
with the process of mitosis.
Mostly realistic dialogue between
doctor and patient
Acceptable
Description of the cell cycle
and mitosis is not
appropriately connected to
cancer.
Description of cancer
includes discussion of one or
two of the possible
malfunctioning types of
genes, but NOT all three.
OR
Discussion does not include
differences between cancer
cells and normal cells.
OR
Discussion does not include
mechanisms in which cancer
spreads.
Explains to the patient how
their behavior or other
environmental factors
contributed.
Discussion of only ONE
treatment option. Prognosis
after treatment is mentioned.
Possible complications of
treatment option are
discussed.
Connects effects of treatment
on cancer cells OR healthy
cells with the process of
mitosis.
At times, dialogue is awkward
and disjointed.