Suppose You Are Studying Tumor Heterogeneity in a Certain Type

question 32

Short Answer

Suppose you are studying tumor heterogeneity in a certain type of melanoma. You have used fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to specifically isolate those melanoma tumor cells that either do (first category) or do not (second category) express a specific marker present in normal stem cells in the tissue of origin (i.e. the melanocyte stem cells). You implant the same number of cells from each of these categories into severely immunodeficient mice and compare the tumor-formation efficiencies after several weeks, which turn out to be significantly higher for the first category. You then analyze the new tumors using FACS, and find out that the majority of the cells in the tumors that originated from the first category of cells harbor the stem-cell marker, whereas the majority of the cells in the tumors that originated from the second cell category lack the marker, just like their respective founder cells. Do these observations support the existence of cancer stem cells? Write down Yes or No as your answer.

---

Definitions:

Need for Achievement

The motivation to reach a significantly challenging goal, overcome obstacles, and exert a high standard of success in one's endeavors.

McClelland

Refers to David McClelland, a psychologist known for his work on motivation, notably the theory of Needs which includes the need for achievement, power, and affiliation.

Homeostasis

The process by which a living organism or cell maintains stable conditions necessary for its survival, such as temperature and pH balance.

Imbalanced State

A condition or situation where stability is disrupted, leading to a lack of equilibrium in physiological or psychological states.