Describe three ways that cancer cells differ from normal cells.

Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled proliferation, meaning they can divide and grow indefinitely without the normal regulatory mechanisms that limit cell division in healthy cells. This is often due to mutations in genes that control the cell cycle, allowing cancer cells to bypass checkpoints that would typically prevent excessive growth.

Unlike normal cells, which adhere to their designated locations, cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues and spread to distant sites in the body through a process called metastasis. This ability to migrate and establish secondary tumors is a hallmark of cancer and contributes significantly to its severity and treatment challenges.

Cancer cells often exhibit altered metabolism, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect, where they preferentially utilize glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen. This metabolic shift supports rapid growth and proliferation, providing the necessary building blocks for cell division and survival in low-oxygen environments.