What trait is true concerning cancer cells?

What trait is true concerning cancer cells?

• A. They divide more slowly than normal cells
• B. They are subject to cell cycle controls
• C. They stop dividing at random points in the cell cycle
• D. They exhibit density-dependent inhibition

Answer: (C)

Cancer cells are characterized by their uncontrolled growth and division. They do not adhere to the normal regulatory mechanisms that typically govern cell division. Instead of stopping at specific checkpoints in the cell cycle, cancer cells often bypass these controls, allowing them to continue dividing without restraint. This unregulated proliferation is one of the hallmark traits of cancer. Normal cells usually stop dividing when they encounter certain signals, such as when they reach a certain density or when they contact neighboring cells. However, cancer cells tend to ignore these signals, which leads to their ability to proliferate indefinitely. In contrast, some of the traits associated with regular, healthy cells include slower division rates compared to cancer cells, adherence to strict cell cycle controls, and the ability to stop dividing when they reach confluence or due to density-dependent inhibition. This stark difference in behavior is crucial to understanding the nature of cancer biology and the challenges it presents in treatment.

Cancer cells are characterized by their uncontrolled growth and division. They do not adhere to the normal regulatory mechanisms that typically govern cell division. Instead of stopping at specific checkpoints in the cell cycle, cancer cells often bypass these controls, allowing them to continue dividing without restraint.

This unregulated proliferation is one of the hallmark traits of cancer. Normal cells usually stop dividing when they encounter certain signals, such as when they reach a certain density or when they contact neighboring cells. However, cancer cells tend to ignore these signals, which leads to their ability to proliferate indefinitely.

In contrast, some of the traits associated with regular, healthy cells include slower division rates compared to cancer cells, adherence to strict cell cycle controls, and the ability to stop dividing when they reach confluence or due to density-dependent inhibition. This stark difference in behavior is crucial to understanding the nature of cancer biology and the challenges it presents in treatment.