What controls the Cell Cycle?

• Controlled by two groups of molecules.
• Proteins called cyclins
• Enzymes that attach to the cyclin to become activated (CDKs)
• What happens when the cell loses control of cell division?
• Cancer

What is Cancer?

• Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division.
• Forms clumps of cells called tumors.
• Two types of tumors
• Benign- cancer cells typically remain clustered together (do NOT spread).
• Malignant- cancer cells often break away and spread to other areas of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic system (process called metastasis).
• Can be caused by both genetic and/or environmental factors.
• Environmental factors that are known to cause cancer are called carcinogens.
• Healthy diets may help prevent many kinds of cancer.

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