Describe three ways that cancer cells differ from normal cells.

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1. Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth: Normal cells follow a regulated cell cycle and have mechanisms in place to control their proliferation. In contrast, cancer cells bypass these regulatory mechanisms, leading to uncontrolled cell division and growth. This is often due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle, such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
2. Cancer cells can invade other tissues: Normal cells typically adhere to their own tissue boundaries and exhibit anchorage dependence, meaning they must be attached to a substrate to grow and divide. Cancer cells, however, can detach from their original location, invade surrounding tissues, and spread to other parts of the body (a process known as metastasis). This invasive capability is a hallmark of malignant tumors.
3. Cancer cells can avoid apoptosis: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a normal process by which cells that are damaged, aged, or no longer needed are eliminated. Cancer cells often develop mechanisms to evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate even when they have DNA damage or other cellular defects. This evasion of apoptosis is critical for the survival and accumulation of cancer cells.

Key Concepts

Uncontrolled Cell Division

Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled cell division, meaning they bypass the normal regulatory mechanisms that govern the cell cycle. Unlike normal cells, which grow and divide in a regulated manner, cancer cells can proliferate indefinitely, leading to tumor formation. This uncontrolled growth is often due to mutations in genes that regulate the cell cycle, such as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.

Loss of Apoptosis

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial process that eliminates damaged or unnecessary cells. Cancer cells often develop the ability to evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive longer than normal cells. This resistance to cell death contributes to tumor growth and the persistence of cancerous cells, as they do not undergo the normal checks that would lead to their elimination.

Altered Metabolism

Cancer cells frequently exhibit altered metabolism, often referred to as the Warburg effect, where they rely on glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen. This metabolic shift allows cancer cells to generate the necessary building blocks for rapid growth and division. Additionally, this altered metabolism can lead to the accumulation of byproducts that promote further tumor growth and survival.