What Are the Key Differences Between Normal Cells and Cancer Cells?
Several key differences distinguish normal cells from cancer cells: - Growth Regulation: Normal cells respond to signals that regulate growth and division, while cancer cells often ignore these signals. - Apoptosis: Normal cells can undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis) when damaged or no longer needed. Cancer cells evade apoptosis, allowing them to survive and proliferate despite abnormalities. - Angiogenesis: Cancer cells can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) to supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen, a capability that normal cells do not possess. - Metastasis: Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize), whereas normal cells remain localized.
