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'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. (Example: HPV virus and cervical cancer)

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