Evolution and cancer
From Inside Cancer Wiki
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'''Lesson Overview''' | '''Lesson Overview''' | ||
Students read a brief passage that introduces the concept that the development of cancer is analogous to evolution. They learn about the characteristics of cancer cells by viewing the “Hallmarks of Cancer” section of the [http://www.insidecancer.org www.insidecancer.org] site. For each hallmark of cancer, they write a brief summary statement explaining how that hallmark makes cancer cells more “fit” in the competition with normal cells. Students then do a class simulation that illustrates how multiple mutations lead to the evolution of normal cells into a population of malignant cancer cells. | Students read a brief passage that introduces the concept that the development of cancer is analogous to evolution. They learn about the characteristics of cancer cells by viewing the “Hallmarks of Cancer” section of the [http://www.insidecancer.org www.insidecancer.org] site. For each hallmark of cancer, they write a brief summary statement explaining how that hallmark makes cancer cells more “fit” in the competition with normal cells. Students then do a class simulation that illustrates how multiple mutations lead to the evolution of normal cells into a population of malignant cancer cells. | ||
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| + | '''Goals and Objectives''' | ||
| + | Students will: | ||
| + | 1. explain the hallmarks that distinguish a normal cell from a cancer cell. | ||
| + | 2. analyze and interpret the results of a simulation that illustrates the transformation of normal. cells into malignant and drug resistant cancer cells. | ||
| + | 3. apply the concept of natural selection to understanding cancer evolution | ||
| + | Assumptions of Prior Knowledge | ||
| + | Students should have a basic understanding of: | ||
| + | • evolution and natural selection. | ||
| + | • normal cell structure and function. | ||
| + | • mitosis and genetics (particularly characteristics of DNA and mutations which may occur) would be helpful. | ||
| + | '''Common Misconceptions''' | ||
| + | Students do not clearly understand that the progression from normal cells to cancer cells typically involves multiple mutations (“multiple hits”). Students may recognize that cancer involves uncontrolled cell division, but they rarely understand that cancer cells have other characteristics that affect their reproduction and survival. Students may think that in the future scientists will discover a single cause for all types of cancer. | ||
| + | Students may think that evolution only happened in the distant past. They may not realize that evolutionary biology has an impact on their future. Students may think that evolution only results in the production of new species. | ||
Revision as of 12:58, 9 April 2008
Evolution and Cancer
Lesson Overview Students read a brief passage that introduces the concept that the development of cancer is analogous to evolution. They learn about the characteristics of cancer cells by viewing the “Hallmarks of Cancer” section of the www.insidecancer.org site. For each hallmark of cancer, they write a brief summary statement explaining how that hallmark makes cancer cells more “fit” in the competition with normal cells. Students then do a class simulation that illustrates how multiple mutations lead to the evolution of normal cells into a population of malignant cancer cells.
Goals and Objectives Students will: 1. explain the hallmarks that distinguish a normal cell from a cancer cell. 2. analyze and interpret the results of a simulation that illustrates the transformation of normal. cells into malignant and drug resistant cancer cells. 3. apply the concept of natural selection to understanding cancer evolution Assumptions of Prior Knowledge Students should have a basic understanding of: • evolution and natural selection. • normal cell structure and function. • mitosis and genetics (particularly characteristics of DNA and mutations which may occur) would be helpful. Common Misconceptions Students do not clearly understand that the progression from normal cells to cancer cells typically involves multiple mutations (“multiple hits”). Students may recognize that cancer involves uncontrolled cell division, but they rarely understand that cancer cells have other characteristics that affect their reproduction and survival. Students may think that in the future scientists will discover a single cause for all types of cancer. Students may think that evolution only happened in the distant past. They may not realize that evolutionary biology has an impact on their future. Students may think that evolution only results in the production of new species.
