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New
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Year 10
Edexcel
Higher

Errors in cell division and cancer: beyond the basics

You can describe cancer including benign and malignant tumours and explain how mutations can cause cancer.

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Share activities with pupils
New
New
Year 10
Edexcel
Higher

Errors in cell division and cancer: beyond the basics

You can describe cancer including benign and malignant tumours and explain how mutations can cause cancer.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Cancer is caused by uncontrolled cell growth and division which can lead to the formation of tumours.
  2. Benign tumours are usually contained within one area and do not invade surrounding tissues.
  3. Malignant tumours are cancerous, they invade surrounding tissues and can cause secondary tumours.
  4. Scientists have identified lifestyle and genetic factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer.
  5. Mutations can cause changes in DNA; this alters the nucleotide sequence and genetic code

Common misconception

All tumours are cancerous and dangerous.

Students are given very clear examples of the difference between benign and malignant tumours. The difference between the two is covered in the slide deck, check for understanding questions and practice tasks.

Keywords

  • Mutation - A change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA that can cause mutated genes.

  • Genes - Short sections of DNA that code for a specific characteristic or protein.

  • Tumour - A mass of cells that has been produced through uncontrolled cell division.

  • Benign - A tumour that is non-cancerous and contained to one area.

  • Malignant - A tumour that is cancerous and can spread.

To help make the link between sequence of nucleotides and genes you could model some mutations within the lesson to physically see how the gene changes.
Teacher tip

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a gene?
A biological catalyst.
Correct answer: A short section of DNA.
A sub-cellular structure which surrounds the cell.
Q2.
What process is used to create new cells for growth and repair in multicellular organisms?
meiosis
Correct answer: mitosis
fertilisation
Q3.
What does obese mean?
Correct answer: very overweight
very underweight
healthy weight
Q4.
Which of the following is not a lifestyle factor?
drinking alcohol
smoking
Correct answer: genetic disease
using sunbeds
Q5.
If smoking is a risk factor for developing lung cancer, which statement is true.
Everyone who smokes will develop lung cancer.
People who smoke have the same risk as non-smokers for developing lung cancer.
Correct answer: People who smoke increase their chance of developing lung cancer.
Q6.
is a chemical substance that carries the genetic information.
Correct Answer: DNA, dna, D N A, d n a

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What are tumours and cancer caused by?
Correct answer: uncontrolled cell division
cell division suddenly stopping
Correct answer: changes to the DNA of cells
the nucleus of cells dividing
Q2.
Which statements are usually true for benign tumours?
Correct answer: slow growing
invade surrounding tissue
cancer causing
Correct answer: contained within a membrane
Q3.
Which type of tumour is shown below?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: malignant tumour
benign tumour
Q4.
Match the lifestyle risk factor to the type of cancer it is linked to.
Correct Answer:UV radiation,skin cancer

skin cancer

Correct Answer:viral infection,cervical and liver cancers

cervical and liver cancers

Correct Answer:smoking,lung, mouth, bowel, stomach and cervical cancers

lung, mouth, bowel, stomach and cervical cancers

Correct Answer:obesity,bowel, liver and kidney cancers

bowel, liver and kidney cancers

Q5.
Put these statements in order to show how a tumour can form.
1 - A mutation causes a change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA.
2 - A gene that controls the cell cycle is changed.
3 - Cells begin to divide uncontrollably.
4 - A tumour is formed.
Q6.
What are the three types of mutation?
insertion, addition and deletion
insertion, deletion and replacement
Correct answer: insertion, deletion and substitution
conversion, deletion and substitution
Q3 Pikovit/Shutterstock