Author Question: Explain the use of the term radical (vs radicle) in the phrase radical mastectomy. What will be ... (Read 89 times)

jasdeep_brar · **on:** Jun 27, 2018

Explain the use of the term radical (vs radicle) in the phrase radical mastectomy.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why do you think the terms amplification and overexpression are used to describe epidermal growth factors?

What will be an ideal response?

coreycathey · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Radical in this sense describes medical treatment intended to remove the source of a disease. A radical mastectomy removes the entire breast, including the nipple, areola, skin, underlying muscles, and associated lymph nodes. Radicle refers to a root or root-like structure.

Answer to Question 2

Epidermal growth factors are required for normal cell growth, but too much growth factor contributes to tumorigenesis. The amount of epidermal growth factor produced depends on gene expression. An excessive amount of a growth factor is due to dysfunction at the genetic level. Amplification refers to a situation where there are too many copies of the gene, causing overproduction of the protein. Overexpression of a gene describes a situation where a gene makes too much of its particular protein due to a loss of normal controls.