Chapter 10, Problem 16STP

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The factors in the environment that cause cancer.

Introduction:

Cancer occurs when the normal cell cycle is disrupted and the cell does not respond to control mechanisms. Cancer is uncontrolled growth and division of cells. These unchecked cancer cells can even kill the organism by crowding out normal cells.

Answer to Problem 16STP

Cancer occurs due to changes in regulation of cell growth and division of cells due to mutations or changes in certain segments of DNA.

Exposure to various environmental factors such as asbestos, cadmium, benzene, tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, X- rays can damage the DNA and cause cancer.

Explanation of Solution

Various environmental factors can lead to development of cancer cells. Substances and agents that are known to cause cancer are called carcinogens. Some common carcinogens are asbestos, cadmium, benzene, tobacco, ultraviolet radiation, X- rays, etc. Over exposure to these carcinogens can cause permanent damage to some parts of DNA. Some factors bring about a change in certain segments of DNA that control the production of proteins, including the proteins that regulate the cell cycle. When the cell cycle is disrupted, it ultimately causes cancer.