Question

Part I: Explain why any cell in the body can become any cell type of the body. Cancer occurs when the cell cycle becomes unregulated and grows out of control. Why do you think there are so many different types of cancer?

Part II: The practice of buying and selling gametes, particularly eggs from fertile women, is becoming increasingly common in the United States and some other industrialized countries.

• Describe how gametes are produced using Meiosis.
• Discuss some of the problems and ethical issues with the practice of buying and selling gametes. Do you have any objections to this type of transaction? Would you be willing to sell your gametes at any price? Do you believe that other people should be restricted from doing so?

Provide specific examples and references to the video in your response.

Post your initial discussion response to the Discussion Forum by Wednesday Week 5.

Respond to two (2) other classmates’ posts by Friday Week 5. If possible, please respond to a post that has not yet received a response from a classmate.

Answer 1

Part 1

-Any cell in the body can become any cell type in the body

The process by which one cell type is replaced by another cell type is called metaplasia.It is usually associated with tissue damage repair and regeneration. The newly replaced cell will be better adapted to the alterations in the local environment.Example is replacement of squamous epithelium of esophagus by glandular epithelium , caused by gastroesophageal reflux. The glandular epithelium can better survive acidity.

-Why there are so many different types of cancer

Human body is made of different types of btissues (made up of different cell types).Cancer arising from different cell types are named differently.Also the nature and course of different cancers vary.Cancers arising in solid mesenchymal tissues are called sarcoma,those arising from epithelial cells are called carcinoma.Cancers arising from blood forming cells are called leukemia,those arising from lymphocytes are called lymphoma.When the tumor cells resemble squamous epithelium, it is called squamous cell carcinoma; when it resembles glandular pattern, it is called adenocarcinoma.

Part 2

Issues associated with buying and selling gametes

-Sex linked disorders that usually run in families can be acquired while selling and buying gametes from people in such families

-Questions about maternity and paternity can arise later on

-Legal issues can occur in places where the process is not legalised

-Treatment related complications can occur

However, the clients should be given the freedom to decide.