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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic that distinguishes cancer cells from normal cells?
A
Require external growth factors to proliferate
B
Exhibit contact inhibition when crowded
C
Ability to divide uncontrollably and evade normal cell cycle regulation
D
Undergo apoptosis in response to DNA damage
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the key characteristics of normal cells. Normal cells require external growth factors to proliferate, exhibit contact inhibition when crowded, and undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) in response to DNA damage.
Step 2: Compare these characteristics to cancer cells. Cancer cells are known for their ability to divide uncontrollably and evade normal cell cycle regulation, which is a major distinction from normal cells.
Step 3: Recognize that cancer cells do not require external growth factors to proliferate. They often produce their own growth signals or bypass the need for them entirely.
Step 4: Understand that cancer cells lack contact inhibition, meaning they continue to grow and divide even when crowded, leading to tumor formation.
Step 5: Note that cancer cells evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate despite DNA damage or other cellular abnormalities, which contributes to their uncontrolled growth.