Here's a breakdown:
* Normal cells: Have intricate systems in place to regulate their growth and division. They only divide when necessary, and they have mechanisms to stop dividing when damaged or when there are enough cells.
* Cancer cells: Develop mutations that disrupt these regulatory systems. This results in:
* Uncontrolled growth and division: Cancer cells ignore signals to stop dividing and continue to proliferate.
* Resistance to apoptosis (programmed cell death): Normal cells are programmed to self-destruct when they are damaged or have served their purpose. Cancer cells evade this process.
* Angiogenesis: Cancer cells can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels to supply them with nutrients and oxygen, enabling their growth.
* Metastasis: Cancer cells can break away from the primary tumor and invade surrounding tissues, spreading to other parts of the body.
Other cellular functions that can be affected in cancer cells include:
* DNA repair: Mutations in DNA repair genes can lead to an accumulation of mutations, further driving cancer development.
* Cell signaling: Alterations in cell signaling pathways can promote uncontrolled growth and division.
* Cellular metabolism: Cancer cells often exhibit altered metabolic processes, such as increased glucose consumption.
Ultimately, the hallmark of cancer cells is their loss of control over the normal cell cycle, leading to uncontrolled growth and proliferation.
