Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is a characteristic of cancer cells?
A
They exhibit uncontrolled cell division.
B
They undergo normal apoptosis in response to DNA damage.
C
They require external growth signals to divide.
D
They maintain normal contact inhibition.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the characteristics of cancer cells: Cancer cells are known for their ability to divide uncontrollably, bypassing the normal regulatory mechanisms that govern cell division.
Review apoptosis: Apoptosis is the programmed cell death that occurs in response to DNA damage or other signals. Cancer cells often evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate despite DNA damage.
Examine growth signals: Normal cells require external growth signals to initiate division. Cancer cells, however, can often produce their own growth signals or bypass the need for external signals entirely.
Analyze contact inhibition: Normal cells stop dividing when they come into contact with other cells, a process known as contact inhibition. Cancer cells lose this ability, allowing them to grow and form tumors.
Identify the correct characteristic: Based on the above points, the characteristic of cancer cells that stands out is their ability to exhibit uncontrolled cell division, which is a hallmark of cancer.