Oncogenesis
Oncogenesis is the formation of a cancer. Where by normal cells are transformed into cancer cells. The process is characterized by change in the cellular, genetic, and epigenetic levels of cell division. Cell division is a physiological process that occurs in almost all tissues and under a variety of circumstances. The balance between proliferation and programmed cell death is maintained by apoptosis to ensure the integrity of tissues and organs. This results in uncontrolled cell division and the evolution of those cells by natural selection in the body. Only certain mutations lead to cancer whereas the majority of mutations do not
Variants of inherited
genes may predispose individuals to cancer. Environmental factors such as
carcinogens and radiation cause mutations
that may contribute to the development of cancer. Finally random mistakes in
normal DNA replication may result in cancer causing mutations.
Mutations in genes that regulate cell division, apoptosis and DNA
repair may result in uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer.
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