2010 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2010. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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how many types of cancer cells are there?      Laura Fuqua, M.S., C.G.C.: Laura Fuqua, M.S., C.G.C. has now entered the chatroom. Take a look at her bio: I am a Genetic Counselor at Genzyme Genetics. I provide genetic consultations to families undergoing or planing a pregnancy in Northern California. I enjoy presenting genetic/medical/scientific information in a meaningful, sensitive way. Cancer research is such a growing field and it takes bright and interested students like yourself to learn and work toward making a difference! Think of it this way, cancer cells were once normal cells, but what is different is the way it acts or loses the ability to control it's division and growth. When a normal cell transforms into a cancer cell, genes which regulate cell growth and differentiation must be altered. Two examples are oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Westview High School in CA (9th grade student)

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