Question

Causes of Cancer

-Cancer risk depends on interaction between _____ and ____

-At the level of the cell, cancer is ____ because _____, and ____ are ____

-However, most of the genetic changes that cause cancer occur in ____, not in the _____

-Thus, these genetic changes (events) are not _____

-They are ____, but they are not ___

Answer 1

Cancer risk is influenced by a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Most DNA damage leading to cancer is acquired in somatic cells and, hence not inherited. Cancer development is tied to ongoing exposure to carcinogens and the continual cell division, which increases mutation rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cancer risk depends on the interaction between environmental factors and genetic predisposition. At the cellular level, cancer is genetic because DNA damage can be inherited from parents or result spontaneously from environmental exposures to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain chemicals. Additionally, mutations during DNA replication contribute to cancer development.

However, most of the genetic changes that cause cancer occur in somatic cells, not in the germline cells. Therefore, these genetic changes are not usually inherited. They are acquired, but they are not passed down from parent to offspring.

Understanding the causes of cancer involves recognizing that carcinogens can lead to abnormalities in cell growth and division. Moreover, while cancer cells divide continuously, leading to higher mutation rates, not all individuals exposed to carcinogens will develop cancer, highlighting the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors.