The Gene Factor
Family History

Cancer is a disease with more than 100 different forms. Its diversity stems from the variety of causes for cancer. Modern research has shown, however, that whatever the cause, changes in the genetic material of cells is crucial. It is now certain that the molecular events that lead to cancer are deeply rooted in human genes. Among the types of genes at play in cancer are oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes.

Menu Mary-Claire King: Prevention Pioneer Genes and Cancer Genetics: A Timeline Gene BRCA1 Gene p53 Cracking the Code: A Simulation Cracking the Code: Mutations Isolating DNA

In this section of the module you will explore the history of the gene-cancer connection, read about researchers whose work has been important, work on labs that will give you an idea how researchers study genes and cancer, and meet a few of the genes important to understanding cancer.

For more information, at other Web sites...

Genetic Science Learning Center — massive resource from the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah.

Human Genome Project Information — from the Human Genome Program of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Tobacco Induced Mutations — an activity in which students subject bacteria to tobacco smoke and observe the resulting mutagenic effects, from the University of Arizona Center for Toxicology Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center Community Outreach and Education Program Educational Resources.