Normal Healthy Cells Versus Cancer Cells
All living organisms are composed of cells. These cells grow and divide in a controlled manner in order for the organism to function properly. Changes in normal cells can cause them to grow uncontrollably. This uncontrollable growth is the sign of cancer cells.
Normal cells have certain characteristics that are important for the proper functioning of tissues, organs, and body systems.
These cells have the ability to reproduce correctly, stop reproducing when necessary, remain in a specific location, become specialized for specific functions, and self destruct when necessary.
Cell reproduction is needed to replenish the cell population that ages or becomes damaged or destroyed. Normal cells reproduce properly.
Cells communicate …show more content…
They undergo a process called apoptosis in which cells break down and are disposed of by white blood cells.
Cancer Cell Properties
Cancer cells have characteristics that differ from normal cells.
Cancer cells acquire the ability to reproduce uncontrollably. These cells may have gene mutations or chromosome mutations that affect the reproductive properties of the cells. Cancer cells gain control of their own growth signals and continue to multiply unchecked. They don't experience biological aging and maintain their ability to replicate and grow. Cancer cells lose the ability to communicate with other cells through chemical signals. They also lose sensitivity to anti-growth signals from surrounding cells. These signals normally restrict cellular growth. Cancer cells lose the adhesion molecules that keep them bonded to neighboring cells. Some cells have the ability to metastasize or spread to other areas of the body through the blood or lymph fluid. Once in the bloodstream, cancer cells release chemical messengers called chemokines that enable them to pass through blood vessels into the surrounding
All living organisms are composed of cells. These cells grow and divide in a controlled manner in order for the organism to function properly. Changes in normal cells can cause them to grow uncontrollably. This uncontrollable growth is the sign of cancer cells.
Normal cells have certain characteristics that are important for the proper functioning of tissues, organs, and body systems.
These cells have the ability to reproduce correctly, stop reproducing when necessary, remain in a specific location, become specialized for specific functions, and self destruct when necessary.
Cell reproduction is needed to replenish the cell population that ages or becomes damaged or destroyed. Normal cells reproduce properly.
Cells communicate …show more content…
They undergo a process called apoptosis in which cells break down and are disposed of by white blood cells.
Cancer Cell Properties
Cancer cells have characteristics that differ from normal cells.
Cancer cells acquire the ability to reproduce uncontrollably. These cells may have gene mutations or chromosome mutations that affect the reproductive properties of the cells. Cancer cells gain control of their own growth signals and continue to multiply unchecked. They don't experience biological aging and maintain their ability to replicate and grow. Cancer cells lose the ability to communicate with other cells through chemical signals. They also lose sensitivity to anti-growth signals from surrounding cells. These signals normally restrict cellular growth. Cancer cells lose the adhesion molecules that keep them bonded to neighboring cells. Some cells have the ability to metastasize or spread to other areas of the body through the blood or lymph fluid. Once in the bloodstream, cancer cells release chemical messengers called chemokines that enable them to pass through blood vessels into the surrounding