Cancer
Cancer cells are produced by uncontrolled cell division.
Some variations in living organisms are due to mutations.
A mutation is a random change in the structure or number of Genetic structures that usually occur in functional pairs in the nucleus of cells (except gametes and bacteria). or The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production..
These can be triggered by environmental factors.
For example, UV light can cause skin cancer.
Genetic conditions
Some genetic conditions are inherited – passed from parent to child.
Genetic conditions are caused by mutations.
Cystic fibrosis and Down’s syndrome are both genetic conditions.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a gene mutation.
Down’s Syndrome is caused by a change in the chromosome number.
People with Down’s Syndrome have 47 chromosomes rather than 46.
