What is cancer in molecular biology?
Cancer is a genetic disease. The expression of oncogenesis is an important event in early stages of tumor formation. Oncogenes are activated through two mechanisms: either by infection of cells by tumor viruses or by mutation of cellular proto-oncogenes (which are usually normal) to oncogenes.
What is molecular biology laboratory?
The IMO is one of the first ophthalmic clinics to boast its own laboratory and offer a genetic diagnosis service, enabling it to be at the forefront of basic research projects carried out through the IMO Foundation.
Does molecular biology have a lab?
Molecular Biology Teaching Laboratory The lab is equipped with: PCR machines (3) (two with capabilities to run gradient PCR) Vortexers, and multivortexer.
How does evolution relate to cancer?
Cancer development within an individual is also an evolutionary process, which in many respects mirrors species evolution. Species evolve by mutation and selection acting on individuals in a population; tumors evolve by mutation and selection acting on cells in a tissue.
What is molecular treatment for cancer?
molecularly targeted therapy. In cancer, a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Blocking these molecules may kill cancer cells or may keep cancer cells from growing or spreading.
Why is molecular testing important?
Most important, by adopting molecular diagnostics, laboratories are having a greater impact on the treatment and care of patients. These advanced systems are helping physicians treat infectious diseases sooner and with more precision.
What is molecular biology used for?
Molecular biology also plays a critical role in the understanding of structures, functions, and internal controls within individual cells, all of which can be used to efficiently target new drugs, diagnose disease, and better understand cell physiology.
How is molecular biology related to biochemistry?
Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, the study of the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded in DNA is able to result in the processes of life. The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and ions.
Why does diagnostic test important for cancer?
Diagnosing cancer at its earliest stages often provides the best chance for a cure. With this in mind, talk with your doctor about what types of cancer screening may be appropriate for you. For a few cancers, studies show that screening tests can save lives by diagnosing cancer early.
How has cancer treatment evolved as scientists learn more about cancer?
As scientists have learned more about the basic mechanics of cancer cells – particularly the molecular changes that allow normal cells to become cancerous and to grow and spread in the body – they’ve found new ways of intervening in the cancer process.
Why is targeted therapy used?
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific genes and proteins that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Targeted therapy can affect the tissue environment that helps a cancer grow and survive or it can target cells related to cancer growth, like blood vessel cells.
What are chemicals carcinogens?
Chemical carcinogens may be synthetic (man-made) or of natural origin; they are extremely diverse in structure and belong to very different chemical classes, such as inorganic, organic, fibers, plastic, hormones, etc.
What do we know about the molecular biology of cancer?
52) ( Figs 4.20, 4.21 ). Recent advances in molecular biology have increased our understanding of cancer and the malignant process. It is now widely recognized that cancer results from mutations of genes that regulate cell division and cell growth.
Are all mutagens carcinogens?
Most mutagens are potential carcinogens although some mutagens are more potent than others. The route of exposure and dose of carcinogens are important in determining their effectiveness. Many carcinogens are ingested as inactive agents that must be activated by cellular enzymes such as liver cytochrome P-450 enzymes.
How are carcinogens activated in the body?
Many carcinogens are ingested as inactive agents that must be activated by cellular enzymes such as liver cytochrome P-450 enzymes. Genetic variations in these enzymes can either enhance or diminish the conversion of substances to active carcinogens.