Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Published:
Cancer cells have lost the ability to accurately communicate with other cells, and they do not have to be anchored to other cells to survive. How else are cancer cells different from normal cells? Select all that apply.
Cancer cells have an increased tendency to stick together.
Cancer cells have lost contact inhibition.
Cancer cells need increased amounts of growth factor to proliferate.
Cancer cells have an unlimited life span.
Cancer cells are termed genetically unstable.
Animated Video Solution
The first half plays free, the full solution is in the app.
Step by Step Written Solution
Hello! Let's explore the characteristics of cancer cells by comparing them to normal cells. This question asks us to identify all the ways cancer cells differ from their healthy counterparts.
Characteristics of Cancer Cells
Let's evaluate each option one by one. First, do cancer cells have an increased tendency to stick together?
1. Increased tendency to stick together?
Actually, the opposite is true. Cancer cells have a decreased tendency to stick together because they often lose adhesion molecules. This allows them to break away and spread, or metastasize. So, this option is incorrect.
What about contact inhibition? Normal cells stop dividing when they touch each other to prevent overcrowding.
2. Lost contact inhibition?
Cancer cells, however, lose this signal. They keep dividing even when they are crowded, often piling up to form tumors. This statement is correct.
Next, do they need increased amounts of growth factor to proliferate?
3. Need more growth factors?
No. Cancer cells often produce their own growth factors or have mutated receptors that are always 'on.' They actually require fewer external growth factors than normal cells. So, this is incorrect.
The rest of this solution is on Solvi
6 more steps are locked. Watch the full animated, narrated solution for free.
Snap a photo, solve any question like this.
Watch the Rest for Free
Free to download · First solutions are on us
