Question

Malignant cancer cells have all of the following properties except A. unregulated cell division. B. inhibition of angiogenesis. C. resistance to apoptosis. D. cellular immortality. E. ability to metastasize.

Short answer

A. unregulated cell division B. inhibition of angiogenesis C. resistance to apoptosis D. cellular immortality E. ability to metastasize Answer: B. inhibition of angiogenesis

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Malignant Cancer Cells

Malignant cancer cells are cells that grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. They have several properties which make them different from normal cells.

Analyzing Option A

Option A states that malignant cancer cells exhibit unregulated cell division. This is true because they no longer respond to the usual signals that regulate cell growth and division. As a result, they are able to divide uncontrollably, forming a mass of abnormal cells known as a tumor. Thus, this option is not the correct answer.

Analyzing Option B

Option B states that malignant cancer cells inhibit angiogenesis. However, this is incorrect because they actually promote angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. This allows the tumor to have a supply of nutrients and oxygen, enabling it to grow and survive. Therefore, this option is the correct answer.

Analyzing Option C

Option C states that malignant cancer cells exhibit resistance to apoptosis. Apoptosis is the natural process of programmed cell death that occurs when a cell is no longer needed or becomes damaged. Malignant cancer cells often develop mechanisms to avoid apoptosis, allowing them to survive and continue dividing despite being damaged. This property is accurate for malignant cancer cells, therefore it's not our answer.

Analyzing Option D

Option D states that malignant cancer cells exhibit cellular immortality. This is accurate because cancer cells can avoid the natural process of cellular aging, known as senescence, and continue to divide indefinitely, thereby making them virtually immortal. This is a property of malignant cancer cells, so this option is not the correct answer.

Analyzing Option E

Option E states that malignant cancer cells have the ability to metastasize. Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells leave the primary tumor site and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Malignant cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and spread to distant sites, making this property valid for malignant cancer cells. Thus, this option is also not the correct answer. In conclusion, the correct answer is: B. inhibition of angiogenesis.