Cancers mess up how our cells grow and divide by changing important genes. Let’s break this down into simpler parts:
Oncogenes: These are messed-up versions of normal genes, called proto-oncogenes, that usually help cells divide. For example, if the RAS gene gets stuck in the "on" position, it can make cells grow too much without stopping.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: These genes usually keep cell division in check. When a gene like p53 gets damaged, it can no longer stop cells from dividing like it should. This leads to uncontrolled growth.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Cancers can get around checkpoints that normally make sure cells are healthy. This means that damaged cells can keep multiplying instead of being stopped.
All these changes can cause tumors to form and make the disease get worse.
Cancers mess up how our cells grow and divide by changing important genes. Let’s break this down into simpler parts:
Oncogenes: These are messed-up versions of normal genes, called proto-oncogenes, that usually help cells divide. For example, if the RAS gene gets stuck in the "on" position, it can make cells grow too much without stopping.
Tumor Suppressor Genes: These genes usually keep cell division in check. When a gene like p53 gets damaged, it can no longer stop cells from dividing like it should. This leads to uncontrolled growth.
Cell Cycle Checkpoints: Cancers can get around checkpoints that normally make sure cells are healthy. This means that damaged cells can keep multiplying instead of being stopped.
All these changes can cause tumors to form and make the disease get worse.