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Basically, the cell communication structure becomes altered and the cell continuously replicates. Cells go through a cycle of replication that is normally regulated by a tumor-supressor gene (kind of like a red light for cells). During cancer, that part of the regulatory system is deactivated. What this means is cells can continuously replicated (kind of like a traffic jam).

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14y ago
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13y ago

Basically, DNA is the genetic code for all the proteins made in your body. The code tell the proteins where to start and stop being made. It also tells cells when to start and stop dividing. If there is a mistake in the code, caused by a mutation, then there is a chance that cells can carry on dividing uncontrollably. There is a rule called the Hayflick constant that suggests once a cell has divided e.g. 20 times, it must "commit suicide" via a process called apoptosis. If this doesn't happen, over a period of time a tumour will develop- causing the cancer.

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13y ago

Your body is made up of cells, like a building is made up bricks. Inside each cell in your body, there is a copy of your genes. Genes are made of DNA and contain all the information your body needs to live and grow. Your genes even dictate what you look like: your hair colour, eye colour etc.

Cells in your body are constantly growing and repairing themselves. Each time a new cells grows, your genes are copied into the new cell. Sometimes, little mistakes are made and the DNA in the new cell ends up with an error in it. If this error affects the genes that contain the information the body needs for growth, the cell is cancerous and if it grows, it can lead to more cancer cells and eventually a tumour.

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13y ago

What causes a cell to mutate into a cancer cell?

true

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14y ago

A few things
1. Environment
2. Chemicals
3. UV-light

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13y ago

Free radicals.

That's why people say tea is good for you, because it absorbs free radicals.

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11y ago

Radiation, for one.

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Q: What causes cells to mutate to become cancer?
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Related questions

How does brain cancer reproduce?

cancer is when cells mutate and uncontrollable keep reproducing


How does the overproduction of cells cause cancer?

The overproduction of cells causes cancer since there is no cell growth regulation. This causes masses to grow uncontrollably and become cancer.


What damage does radiation do?

Radiation exposure causes damage to the cells of your body, which can mutate them. Mutated cells are sometimes referred to as cancer cells, and thus radiation can give you cancer. There are different effects from different kinds of radiation, but mutating cells is the basic form of damage that radiation does.


Can you explain the way an abnormal p53 causes normal cells to become cancer cells?

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What characterises a cancer promoter?

A cancer promoter causes cells with DNA mutations to multiply and become tumors.


What mutagens may produce genetic disorders?

nicotine in tobacco from cigarettes... can make cells mutate which is cancer


What can happen when cell communication goes wrong?

Cells mutate rapidly and in the end, it develops into cancer.


How can you get feet cancer?

You can have cancer anywhere there are cells; where there are cells, there is a possibility of a mutation that causes cancer.


What genes are mutated to cause cancer?

An oncogene is a gene that may be able to cause cancer. These genes can cause cells to mutate, instead of simply dying, which they are supposed to do.


Why would cancer appear in childhood?

Cancer appears in childhood due to cells mutating and growing out of control. The cells could mutate due to various mutagens, such as lead paint or too much sunlight.


What causes vulvar cancer?

Cancer is caused when the normal mechanisms that control cell growth become disturbed, causing the cells to continually grow without stopping.


Does everyone have cancer?

Yes. Cells can become cancerous from many different causes. Our immune systems can to some extent recognize and dispose of limited numbers cancerous cells. However as we all know, our own immune systems can be overwhelmed by some growths, or fail to recognize others. Yes. Cells can become cancerous from many different causes. Our immune systems can to some extent recognize and dispose of limited numbers cancerous cells. However as we all know, our own immune systems can be overwhelmed by some growths, or fail to recognize others.