Gene Expression
What do we call the biological phenomenon where genes are turned on or off like a light switch?
Gene Expression
How does Mitosis differ between a normal cell and a cancer cell?
Cancer cells undergo mitosis much more rapidly and without stopping.
The INS gene codes for Insulin. In a healthy body, what type of cell/tissue would you expect to have the highest expression of this gene?
Pancreas
Along with Roblox, this sandbox block-building game became a global phenomenon during your childhood, allowing players to fight Creepers and build entire worlds.
Minecraft
If you were to zoom in on a single Chromosome, what would you find?
Genes/DNA
Genes like TP53 and BRCA1 are "Tumor Suppressors." What is their normal job in a cell?
To act as "Brakes" and stop the cell from dividing if the DNA is damaged.
What type of cell have the iPSC-LECs most likely become?
Breast
In 2024, the Oxford Word of the Year was a term often used by 2011-borns to describe low-quality, addictive internet content like "Skibidi Toilet." What is this two-word term?
Brain rot
In a human cell, there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. Where are these pairs stored?
In the nucleus
A researcher finds that a tumor in the Breast has the BRCA1 gene turned off. Why would this lead to a tumor?
The cell loses its "Brakes" and may divide uncontrollably, leading to the development of an overgrowth of cells (tumor).
What type of cell have the iPSC-LECs most likely become?
Stomach
This 2021 Netflix series became a global phenomenon, sparking playground games based on "Red Light, Green Light" and making the "Dalgona" candy challenge go viral. What was the name of the show?
Squid Game
If a gene is "unexpressed" or "turned off," what happens in the cell
The gene is still there, but the cell does not make the protein associated with it.
What is an "Oncogene" (like a mutated KRAS or BRAF gene)?
A gene that acts like a "Gas Pedal," forcing the cell to divide even when it shouldn't.
Is the iPSC-LECs most likely a cancer cell or a normal cell? Why?
A normal cell. Cancer cells typically underexpress TP53 and this graph shows high expression for the iPSC-LECs
During the early 2020s, many TikTok trends were defined by "Aesthetics." One specific style, popularized by users in 2019 and 2020, was known for oversized t-shirts, Hydro Flasks, shell necklaces, and the catchphrase "Sksksksk." What was this aesthetic called?
VSCO girl
A student claims, "Lung cells have different DNA than skin cells, and that is why they look different." Based on the lesson, is this student correct? Explain the actual relationship between the DNA in these two different cells.
No, this student is not correct. Every cell in the human body has the same exact DNA. The reason these cells look different is because they express the genes within that DNA differently, resulting in tissue specialization.
Describe the "Double Whammy" that happens in a cancer cell regarding its genes. What happens to the "Brake" genes (like TP53) and the "Gas Pedal" genes (like KRAS) to cause a tumor to grow so rapidly?
First, the "Brake" genes (Tumor Suppressors like TP53) are turned OFF or unexpressed, meaning the cell loses its ability to stop dividing. Second, the "Gas Pedal" genes (Oncogenes like KRAS) are turned ON or stay active, constantly signaling the cell to divide. Because the cell is being told to "go" and has no "brakes" to stop it, it undergoes rapid mitosis and forms a tumor.
What type of cell is the iPSC-HE?
Inconclusive because all cells express ACTB and it is not tissue specific. It would be impossible to determine the specific tissue from ACTB expression alone.
You were born in 2011, the same year that a certain "soulful" British singer released the album 21, featuring hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You." Who is the artist?
Adele