Unraveling Cancer: A Breakdown of Cellular Misbehavior

Biology Grades High School 12:36 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Explore the basics of cancer, understanding it as a consequence of DNA replication errors. Learn about cell behavior, mutations, and the development of tumors.

Video Resource

Cancer | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 12:36
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Cellular Mitosis and Replication
  • DNA Mutations and Apoptosis
  • Tumor Formation (Benign vs. Malignant)
  • Metastasis

Learning Objectives

  • Define cancer as a disease resulting from errors in DNA replication and cell division.
  • Explain the roles of mutations and apoptosis in preventing or contributing to cancer development.
  • Differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, understanding the concept of metastasis.
  • Appreciate the complexity of cancer and the challenges in finding a universal cure.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by introducing the topic of cancer. Briefly discuss what students already know or think they know about cancer. Highlight that this lesson will focus on the underlying biological processes that lead to cancer.
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Cancer | Cells | MCAT | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to take notes on key terms and concepts presented in the video.
  • Discussion and Clarification (15 mins)
    Facilitate a class discussion about the video. Address any questions students have and clarify any confusing points. Focus on defining key terms like mitosis, mutation, apoptosis, neoplasm, tumor, benign, malignant, and metastasis.
  • Activity: Mutation Scenario (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Give each group a scenario describing a cell with specific mutations (e.g., mutation preventing apoptosis, mutation causing rapid cell division). Have groups discuss and present how these mutations could lead to cancer development.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Summarize the key points of the lesson. Reiterate the definition of cancer, the role of mutations, and the different stages of tumor development. Briefly mention the challenges in curing cancer due to its complexity.

Interactive Exercises

  • Cancer Concept Map
    Students will individually create a concept map linking key terms and ideas from the lesson. They should connect terms like DNA, mutation, cell division, apoptosis, tumor, and metastasis to illustrate the cancer development process. They can share it with the class.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is cancer considered a disease of uncontrolled cell growth?
  • How does apoptosis normally protect the body from developing cancer?
  • What is the difference between a benign and a malignant tumor?
  • Why is metastasis such a dangerous aspect of cancer?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Scientific Reasoning
  • Concept Mapping

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Cancer is primarily caused by:

Correct Answer: Uncontrolled cell growth due to DNA mutations

Question 2:

What is the process of programmed cell death called?

Correct Answer: Apoptosis

Question 3:

A tumor that is non-invasive and does not spread is referred to as:

Correct Answer: Benign

Question 4:

What term describes the spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to other parts of the body?

Correct Answer: Metastasis

Question 5:

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cancer cells?

Correct Answer: Contact inhibition

Question 6:

What is a neoplasm?

Correct Answer: An abnormal mass of tissue

Question 7:

The process of cell replication is known as?

Correct Answer: Mitosis

Question 8:

A mutation that keeps a cell from destroying itself is inhibiting what process?

Correct Answer: Apoptosis

Question 9:

If a tumor is described as invasive, what does that mean?

Correct Answer: It infiltrates other tissue

Question 10:

Which of the following is NOT a method that scientists attack cancer?

Correct Answer: Encouraging cell division

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Errors in ______ replication can lead to cancer.

Correct Answer: DNA

Question 2:

The process by which cells self-destruct is called _______.

Correct Answer: Apoptosis

Question 3:

A mass of abnormal tissue is known as a ________.

Correct Answer: Neoplasm

Question 4:

A _________ tumor is considered harmless.

Correct Answer: Benign

Question 5:

When cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, the process is called __________.

Correct Answer: Metastasis

Question 6:

The normal process of cell division is __________.

Correct Answer: Mitosis

Question 7:

When cells recognize that they are getting crowded, they stop growing. This is known as _________ _________.

Correct Answer: Contact inhibition

Question 8:

Cancer cells do not respect their __________ neighborhood, growing rapidly.

Correct Answer: Cellular

Question 9:

Mutations become more _________ in cancer cells due to the damage of the DNA replication scheme.

Correct Answer: Frequent

Question 10:

_________ and __________ are treatments that attack things that are fast growing in the body.

Correct Answer: Chemotherapy

Educational Standards

B.LS1.1:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the structure of DNA determines the structure of proteins, which carry out the essential functions of life through systems of specialized cells. B.LS1.4:[Standard] Use a model to illustrate the role of cellular division (mitosis) and differentiation in producing and maintaining complex organisms. B.LS3.2:[Standard] Make and defend a claim based on evidence that inheritable genetic variations may result from: (1) new genetic combinations through meiosis, (2) viable errors occurring during replication, and/or (3) mutations caused by environmental factors.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans