About this module
This module introduces the foundational principles of DNA biology in the context of cancer. Students will explore DNA's structure, its role in cellular function, and how genomic changes contribute to oncogenesis.
The focus includes understanding the distinction between hereditary and somatic mutations, the mechanisms of DNA damage and repair, and the biological significance of driver mutations in cancer.
Learning Outcomes
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Explain the structure and function of DNA and its role in cellular homeostasis.
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Differentiate between hereditary and somatic mutations and their implications in cancer.
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Understand the concepts of driver mutations and passenger mutations in oncogenesis.
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Describe how disruptions in DNA repair mechanisms contribute to cancer development.
- Identify key genes frequently implicated in cancer-related DNA alterations (e.g., EGFR, ALK).