Download Good Cells Gone Bad

Good Cells Gone Bad
STUDENT WORKSHEET
OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the structure and function of a “normal cell” versus a “cancer cell”
2. Understand the mechanisms by which normal cells can become cancerous
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Cells are the basic unit of structure and function for all living things. As cells grow and divide, they
arrange themselves in a particular way to form tissues. All tissues perform functions in our body.
Healthy or normal cells can:
• Make proteins or “worker molecules” required by the body
• Make their own energy using oxygen
• Divide to make new cells
• Cells respond to signals to divide
• Grow and multiply in a controlled fashion and know where they belong in the body
• Die after a specific number of divisions
Cancer occurs when cells no longer function normally. Cancer cells grow and divide in an
uncontrolled way. The cells take on new characteristics that allow them to behave in an
undesirable manner. I
In cancer cells:
• Proteins or “worker molecules” can be missing or present in unnecessary amounts.
Proteins may not be able to function normally to stop cell growth or they may make the cell
grow faster.
• Cells do not need signals to keep growing
• Energy is made without oxygen
• Growth is not regulated so the cancer cells grow rapidly and out of control. Cells do not
mature and don’t grow to the normal size.
• Changes occur that allow the cells to go places in the body where they do not belong
• An immortal nature allows the cancer cells to live much longer than normal and do not die
Cell structure also differs between a normal healthy cell and a cancer cell as illustrated below.
© Harper, A., and Nickels, K. 2008. Queensland University of Technology.
STUDENT WORKSHEET
Good Cells Gone Bad
WHAT YOU NEED
These items represent features/characteristics of the cell and not organelles.
Materials
What it represents
•
Zip lock bags (small, medium and large)
•
Cell membrane
•
Ribbon
•
DNA
•
Small container
•
Nucleui
•
Different sized beads
•
Nucleoli
•
Paper clips
•
Proteins or “worker molecules”
•
Stamp
•
Communication network
•
Candle
•
Finite life-span
•
Match
•
Energy source, burning of oxygen in
process of respiration
•
Sugar packet
•
Use of glycolysis
WHAT TO DO
Use the background information and materials above to create a “normal, healthy cell” and a
“cancer cell”
© Harper, A., and Nickels, K. 2008. Queensland University of Technology.