Question

What are carcinogens? Give two examples. Why is the disease caused by them so dreaded?

Answer 1

Hint: DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic acid and it is present as genetic material in the nucleus of the cells. Damage to DNA leads to degenerative diseases that cause failure to the functioning of organs of the body. Many chemical and physical factors are responsible for these damages to the functioning of DNA.

Complete answer:
Cancer is a class of degenerative disorders which causes tissues and organs to fail to function properly. Cancers are referred to as unusual uncontrollable division of cells with faulty DNA causing the production of a mass of cells that is called a tumor.

-The DNA in the nucleus of cells has instruction to make necessary proteins for the cells and guide it for division in a controlled manner. Any change to the encoded information on DNA guides the cell in the wrong way leading to its death or faulty function.
-In cancer cells, the mutated DNA leads orders the cell to divide continuously without any regulation to copy numbers. This rapid and uncontrolled division results in the formation of a tumor. Tumors are large masses or balls of cells that disrupt the normal functioning and structure of the organ or tissue around which they are present.
-The mutations in DNA are generally caused by some chemical factors such as chemical factors in tobacco smoke, aflatoxins from mushrooms, and physical factors like x-rays, radiations, etc. All these factors that cause the change in DNA making it insane to guide the cell to divide endlessly are called carcinogens.
-The two major examples of carcinogens are tobacco smoke and UV radiation. The diseases caused by carcinogens are termed as dreaded as they cause uncontrolled cell proliferation which turns into tumors. -These tumors can be static or malignant meaning that they can spread throughout the body. The tumor formation in important ducts or vessels of the body blocks the flow of essential fluids through the body and leads to death.

Note: Cancers are a prevalent disease in human life today. There are different kinds of cancers like skin cancer, blood cancer, brain cancer, etc. all these cancers are a major threat to human lives. There are no specific cures for cancers yet. Many of the chemotherapies are available for treatment and many herbal products and chemicals are under research for finding an effective treatment.