Download Mitosis and cancer Aims In this activity you will answer questions on

B2, Topic 5.1
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Mitosis and cancer
Aims
In this activity you will answer questions on the science behind cancer and its treatment.
Questions
Cancer is a disease caused by mitosis becoming out of control. As cells divide
uncontrollably, tumours form. Cells from the tumour can spread around the body.
Tumours take resources away from the organs in the body. If left untreated, these
tumours can eventually cause the organs to stop working. Treatment is getting better
and more people are surviving this disease as we begin to understand more about it.
1 Why does uncontrolled mitosis result in the formation of a tumour?
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2 Normal cells usually die after going through mitosis around 50 times (depending on
the type of cell) but cancer cells are often immortal. Why can this be a problem?
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New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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B2, Topic 5.1
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3 Tumours are either benign or malignant. Malignant tumours are more dangerous, as
they have their own blood supply. Explain why a malignant tumour is more dangerous
than a benign tumour.
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4 There are three treatments for cancer:
Removal of the tumour by surgery
Radiotherapy – directed at one area of the body, X-rays and gamma rays can
stop cells dividing by disrupting their DNA.
Chemotherapy – drugs that travel round the body in the bloodstream and kill
cells that are dividing.
a Which two treatments would be effective for a tumour in one place only? Explain
why each treatment would be effective.
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b Which treatment is necessary for cancer that has spread around the body? Explain
your answer.
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New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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B2, Topic 5.1
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Name ……………………………………………………
Class …………
Date ………………….
5 Chemotherapy cannot be used safely on a pregnant woman. Explain why this is.
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New AQA GCSE Science © Nelson Thornes Ltd 2011
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