Question
Differences and Characteristics of Cancer Cells and Normal Cells
Answer
Cancer cells possess three distinct fundamental characteristics: immortality, metastasis, and the loss of contact inhibition. Their morphological features include irregular sizes, abnormal shapes, a higher nucleus-to-cytoplasm ratio compared to normal cells, and abnormal chromosome numbers. Physiologically, cancer cells show uncontrolled cell cycle, detachment from cell adhesion, and the loss of contact inhibition. Additionally, they exhibit reduced demand for growth factors, vigorous metabolism, and mitochondrial dysfunction.