Metagenoe
From Inside Cancer Wiki
'The Immortal Warriors'
Lesson Overview
How cancer cells act as "immortal warriors" to invade body cells.
Goals and Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. link DNA replication and the accumulation of mutations to the development of cancer cells 2. explain the action of telomerase in preventing cell death 3. explain how cancer cell ignore normal growth signals & apoptosis.
Prior Knowledge
Students should have a basic understanding of:
• Cell structure and function • Mitosis and meiosis • DNA replication
Common Misconceptions
Students may not understand that:
1. The development of cancer cells is a multistep process which involves an accumulation of mutations. 2. Differences between a tumor and a cancer cell 3. Telomerase is found in some stem cells & during early embryonic development.
The Lesson
Preparation Before class: Access to computer laboratory for class (2 students per computer). Prepare worksheets with guiding questions and instructions.
Describe any pre-class preparation necessary for the lesson.
Overview
1. Review of DNA replication & mutation - “errors in replication” may cause the development of cancer – 5 mins 2. Inquiry Approach: Does the addition of one wrong base cause mutation? Access the first slide of web link. - 8 mins 3. Introduction to cancer as a multistep approach – 5 mins
Cancer “warrior” arises from normal body cells in a multistep process.
4. Why are cancer cells “Immortal”? - telomerase (watch 2nd video) – 10 mins 5. How cancer cells avoid immune system and normal growth signals? Play 3rd video and explain apoptosis. – 10 mins 6. View the final video on how the “warriors” invade the normal body cells – 10 mins 7. Conclusion & Quiz – 12 mins
Student Handouts for the Lesson Plan
Prepare worksheets with basic guiding questions and instructions. Prepare short Quiz for concluding lesson.
Suggestions for Extended Learning
Include viruses as agents that cause higher incidence of cancer.
Suggest any extensions to the lesson.
Suggested extensions of lesson
Viruses as agents that cause higher incidence of cancer. Refer to: Causes and Prevention” section of Inside Cancer, DNALC. http://www.insidecancer.org/ (Example: HPV virus and cervical cancer)
