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Cancer & Stem Cells

META
Science›The Human Body|Ages 13—14|ID: mt_roinupb_7L

Explain that cancer occurs when mutations in DNA disable normal cell-cycle controls, causing uncontrolled cell division and tumour formation; describe how stem cells differ from specialised cells and their potential for regenerative medicine; and evaluate the ethical debates around embryonic stem cell research and genetic testing

Mastery Evidence

  • Explains cancer as the result of DNA mutations that disable tumour suppressor genes or activate oncogenes, causing unchecked mitosis
  • Distinguishes stem cells (unspecialised, can differentiate) from specialised cells (fixed function) and explains why stem cells are medically valuable
  • Presents the embryonic stem cell debate with at least two specific scientific arguments in favour and two ethical objections against, without simply asserting one side is correct

Assessment Prompt

“If [child] was asked to explain what cancer actually is at a cellular level, could they describe what goes wrong with cell division — and explain why some people object to using stem cells from embryos for medical research, even if it could save lives?”

Prerequisites2

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  • DNA & Genes hard

    Advanced gene expression and genetic disease mechanisms depends on DNA structure and replication

    • Chromosomes, Genes & DNA hard

      DNA structure and replication depends on chromosomes and Mendelian inheritance

      • Cells Under the Microscope hard

        DNA is housed in the nucleus of cells — the cell as fundamental unit must be understood before studying what's inside the nucleus

  • Parts of Plant and Animal Cells soft

    Advanced genetics depends on cell biology including the cell cycle and mitosis

    • Cells Under the Microscope hard

      Understanding cell components requires first knowing that cells are the fundamental unit of life

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