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Message
Posted on 7/27/14 at 8:09 pm to Darth_Vader
quote:
If cancer is a mutation of cells and evolution is just a series of random mutations, then shouldn't we be glad so many people are getting cancer as that means we're evolving?
Evolution isn't just a series of random mutations. It's the collection of beneficial mutations into the population when they benefit the species' survival. Cancer is roughly defined as a group of cells that:
1) lose their ability to kill themselves (a protective feature inside of cells that protects damaged cells and cells with deformed DNA from replicating)
2) Lose their ability to stop replicating
This next one is the kicker:
3) The cells grow beyond their natural boundary and invade beyond where the type of cell that's over-growing is supposed to be.
Because of #3, I can think of exactly no instances that cancer would ever be beneficial. It's definitely possible for gain-of-function and loss-of-function genes to represent the evolving of the human species. It's also very possible for gain-of-function and loss-of-function genes to cause cancer. The two should not be confused for each other, though.
A gain-of-function gene for a receptor in the retina that can perceive ultra-violet or infra-red bands of light would be tremendous enhancements.
A gain-of-function gene that results in too many red blood cells being made leads to people itching when they take hot showers. (this one exists)
A loss-of-function gene when it comes to cell death is one step on the road to an overgrowth of a type of cell which has the potential to invade surrounding tissues (this is called cancer)
You seem to somewhat have the right idea in thinking that random genetic mutation is the basis for evolution, but the way you're describing it seems like you have somewhat of a misunderstanding of what "cancer" and "mutation" actually mean, and also seems to lack the important point that these mutations must accumulate in the population. If the mutations don't accumulate, you wind up with superheroes (see: Spiderman).
Posted on 7/27/14 at 8:13 pm to dualed
But not before we are treated, because the $ is what it's about.
Posted on 7/27/14 at 8:30 pm to Isabelle
quote:
But not before we are treated, because the $ is what it's about.
There's tons of money in curing cancer. If you don't believe that, go read about Gleevec (Imatinib) until you arrive at that reality. It shouldn't take long.
1) Cures a specific cancer.
2) is expensive
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