Question

What MAKES a CELL a CANCER CELL? (Mechanisms for Cancer)

A) Normal cell functions
B)The presence of a cell wall
C) Genetic mutations that allow uncontrolled growth
D) Lack of mitochondria in the cell

Answer 1

Cancer cells are characterized by uncontrolled growth caused by a breakdown in the mechanisms that regulate the cell cycle. This breakdown is often due to genetic mutations, resulting in faulty instructions and proteins that do not function as they should. As a result, disrupted cell division leads to the accumulation of damage and the formation of tumors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells without respect to normal limits. The transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells is caused by a breakdown of the mechanisms that regulate the cell cycle. This breakdown is often a result of genetic mutations. These mutations lead to faulty instructions, resulting in proteins that do not function as they should. The loss of control in cell division allows mistakes to be passed on to daughter cells, leading to further accumulated damage. Ultimately, rapidly reproducing cancer cells crowd out normal cells, resulting in the formation of a tumor. Therefore, genetic mutations that allow uncontrolled growth are what make a cell cancerous.