Question

One difference between cancer cells and normal cells is that cancer cells

(A) are unable to synthesize DNA.

(B) are arrested at the S phase of the cell cycle.

(C) continue to divide even when they are tightly packed together.

(D) cannot function properly because they are affected by density-dependent inhibition.

Short answer

(A) The option “are unable to synthesize DNA.” is false.

(B) The option “are arrested at the S phase of the cell cycle” is false.

(C) The option “continue to divide even when they are tightly packed together” is true.

(D) The option “cannot function properly because they are affected by density-dependent inhibition” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Description of cells

Cells are the smaller unit found in the body that processes different functions of the body. The cell cycle occurs at various stages, such as the G0 phase, G1 phase, synthesis phase, and mitosis. It is regulated by certain regulatory proteins such as cyclins.

Explanation of option (A)

The DNA is synthesized in both the cancer cells as well as normal cells. DNA is the genetic material that is present in the nucleus of each cell.

The difference between cancer cells and normal cells is not DNA production.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (B)

The cancer cells can undergo a synthesis phase similar to the normal cells. The regular cells undergo the synthesis phase to replicate the genetic material, which also happens in the cancer cells.

The synthesis phase is not the difference between normal cells and cancer cells. The cancer cells are not arrested at the S phase due to the loss of control in the cell cycle.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (C)

The rapid division is the significant difference between the normal cells and cancer cells. The division rate of the normal cells is regulated by having a control in the cell cycle. The cancer cells are the cell that loses this control and starts to divide rapidly, forming tumors.

The rapid multiplication of cells due to the loss of control over the cell cycle is the reason for the cancer cells to divide continuously even they are tightly packed.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option (D)

The function of the cells is not affected by the density-dependent inhibition of cells. The regular cells limit their growth concerning the density factor is known as density-dependent inhibition of cells.

The density-dependent inhibition is not the difference between the cancer cells and normal cells.

Therefore, the given statement is false.