Case Study - Mitosis, Cancer, and Vaccines
Case Study - Mitosis, Cancer, and Vaccines
Case Study - Mitosis, Cancer, and Vaccines
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HPV = Human Papillomavirus
There are several strains of this virus, and in many cases
the virus causes mild problems, like warts, or causes no
symptoms. HPV is a common virus, most children get warts
at some point (but they go away).
Consider the following statement: “If you are not sexually active, then you do not need to
get the vaccine.” Do you agree of disagree with this statement. Defend your position.
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Examine the graph, showing the prevalence in genital HPV among
adults age 18-59 (2013-2014) Source: CDC.gov
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Considering the number of people that have HPV in the
population, even if you wait until marriage to become sexually
active, you have a high chance of being exposed. The vaccine
only works if you get it BEFORE your are exposed to the virus.
The CDC recommends getting the HPV vaccine for both boys and girls at
the age of 11. Why do you think it’s important to get vaccinated so young?
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For many, HPV clears up on its own, thanks to the immune system. For
others, the virus can hide in cells and lead to cancer later.
Source: CDC.gov
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How does a virus cause cancer?
First we have to look at what cancer actually is. Cancer is a problem with cell division. Cells that
would normally divide to replace tissue can malfunction and continue to divide, forming a tumor. The
virus enters the cells and changes them (mutations) which can cause them to divide uncontrollably.
Pap smear 7
How does a virus cause cancer?
Explore the infographic What type of cells in the cervix does HPV infect?
to answer the questions.
The initial infection takes how long to heal?
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Pathogenesis-of-HPV-in-cervical-cancer-copyright-C-The-Nobel-Committee-for-Physiology_fig3_324478085 8
A closer look at cell division… Source: Wikipedia
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Label the phases. (Prometaphase is not included on this diagram.)
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The Cell Cycle refers to the life of the cell,
it includes mitosis, plus interphase which
has its own phases.
G1 = growth
S = DNA synthesis
G2 = growth and preparation for mitosis
Source:
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-cell-cycle-is-divided-into-four-phas 11
es-G-1-S-G-2-M-Resting-cells-are-in-a-G_fig1_264548273
Practice labeling the cell cycle by dragging the
labels to the appropriate spot on the image. You can
spin or rotate the labels if needed.
G1 G2 S
prophase interphase
anaphase metaphase
telophase
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Cancer occurs when the checkpoints fail and mutations
to cell DNA is not detected.
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What does cancer look like?
It depends on the type of cancer. An odd
mole might be cancer. Most cancers are not
not visible without looking at cells. Doctors
can take a sample of cells from the cervix and
look at them under the microscope.
Source: cancer.gov
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Why get the HPV Vaccine?
This poster shows how the HPV vaccine has
affected the health of women in the UK.
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Consider the following AD from the CDC. Getting the vaccine is voluntary in most
states, unlike other vaccines that are required to enroll in school (measles).
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You may or may not have gotten the HPV vaccine, what would you suggest for others,
maybe a brother or sister, or a friend. Should girls get the vaccine? Should boys? Justify
your position with details from this case. Your overall grade is based on your writing that
reflects an understanding of HPV, cancer, and the cell cycle. (3-10 sentences)
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