Question

What enzyme possessed by most cancer cells, but lacking in most normal cells, is thought to contribute to the ability of cancer cells to divide indefinitely and to exhibit a seeming immortality?

Answer 1

Telomerase is the enzyme possessed by most cancer cells and lacking in most normal cells that contributes to the ability of cancer cells to divide indefinitely and exhibit immortality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The enzyme possessed by most cancer cells but lacking in most normal cells that is thought to contribute to the ability of cancer cells to divide indefinitely and exhibit immortality is telomerase. Telomerase is responsible for maintaining and lengthening the telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes.

In normal cells, telomeres shorten with each cell division, eventually leading to cell senescence and death. However, in cancer cells, telomerase is active and prevents telomere shortening, allowing the cells to divide indefinitely.