What is a carcinogen?
An agent that increases the risk of cancer; exposure does not guarantee that cancer will develop.
AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation · 4.2.2.7
Revise AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation specification point 4.2.2.7, Cancer, with free active-recall flashcards. Flip through the set or review every question and answer below.
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What is a carcinogen?
An agent that increases the risk of cancer; exposure does not guarantee that cancer will develop.
How can some carcinogens, such as ionising radiation, cause mutations?
They can damage DNA, causing mutations.
How can mutations affecting the control of cell division lead to cancer?
Cells may divide uncontrollably and form a cancer.
Give one source of carcinogenic substances and one physical carcinogen.
What is a tumour?
A growth of abnormal cells formed by uncontrolled cell division.
What are the defining features of a benign tumour?
It remains contained in one area, usually within a membrane, and does not invade other parts of the body.
What is a malignant tumour?
A cancer whose cells invade neighbouring tissues.
What is metastasis?
The spread of cancer cells through the blood to other parts of the body, where they form secondary tumours.