One difference between a cancer cell and a normal cell is that:

• A. cancer cells are unable to undergo mitosis
• B. cancer cells have a shorter lifespan than normal cells due to increased apoptosis
• C. cancer cells require fewer nutrients than normal cells to survive
• D. cancer cells can divide uncontrollably, bypassing normal cell cycle regulation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the key difference between cancer cells and normal cells: Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled cell division, which is a hallmark of cancer. This occurs because they bypass the normal regulatory mechanisms of the cell cycle.
2. Recall the role of the cell cycle: In normal cells, the cell cycle is tightly regulated by checkpoints (e.g., G1, G2, and M checkpoints) to ensure proper growth, DNA replication, and division. Cancer cells often have mutations in genes that regulate these checkpoints, such as tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53) or proto-oncogenes.
3. Eliminate incorrect options: Cancer cells are not unable to undergo mitosis; in fact, they divide excessively. They also do not have a shorter lifespan due to apoptosis; instead, they often evade apoptosis. Lastly, cancer cells do not require fewer nutrients; they often have higher metabolic demands to support rapid division.
4. Focus on the correct characteristic: Cancer cells can divide uncontrollably because they bypass normal cell cycle regulation. This is due to genetic mutations that disrupt the balance between cell division and cell death.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is: 'Cancer cells can divide uncontrollably, bypassing normal cell cycle regulation,' as this directly addresses the fundamental difference between cancer cells and normal cells.