Final answer:
Anaplasia refers to the loss of normal structure and function in cancer cells, leading to uncontrolled growth and division. Cancer cells lack contact inhibition and have deficiencies in forming gap junctions and membrane proteins. These characteristics contribute to tumor formation and metastasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anaplasia refers to a characteristic of cancer cells where they lose their normal structure and organization, becoming undifferentiated and immature. This means that cancer cells no longer perform specialized functions and instead grow and divide uncontrollably.
Unlike normal cells, cancer cells lack contact inhibition, which is the ability to stop dividing when a certain cell density is reached. Instead, cancer cells continue to divide and pile up in multiple layers, forming tumors.
Cancer cells also exhibit deficiencies in forming gap junctions and have fewer cadherins and integrins on their membranes. This affects their ability to communicate with each other and firmly attach to the extracellular matrix, leading to the metastasis or spread of cancer.