Question

Which one is not a property of cancer cells?

• A. They show contact inhibition.
• B. Divide in an uncontrolled manner.
• C. Do not remain confined to the area of formation.
  
• D. Compete with normal cells for vital nutrients.

Answer 1

The correct option is A They show contact inhibition.

Contact inhibition
Contact inhibition is the property exhibited by the normal cells in which they inhibit their growth when they come in contact with other cells. Cancer cells do not show contact inhibition and continue to divide.



Therefore, the statement “They show contact inhibition” is not true for cancer cells.

Division of cancer cells
The process of cell division in normal cells has certain checkpoints or regulatory mechanisms whereas these regulatory mechanisms are lost in cancerous cells.
Therefore, the statement “Divide in an uncontrolled manner” is true for cancer cells


Competition with normal cells
Cancer cells divide uncontrollably. As a result the amount of nutrients available to them is less. They compete with normal cells for nutrition.
Hence, the statement “Compete with normal cells for vital nutrients” is true for cancer cells.


Spread of cancerous cells
Cancer cells of a malignant tumour show metastasis where they spread to other parts of the body tending to form tumours in new places as well. This results in the spread of cancer.
Therefore, the statement “Do not remain confined to the area of formation” is true for cancer cells.
Hence the correct option is (a).