Q. 58 What is cancer? How is a cancer cell different from the normal cell? How do normal cells attain cancerous nature?

An abnormal and uncontrolled division of cells is termed as cancer. Genes called cellular oncogenes (c-onc) or proto-oncogens present in normal cells when activated under certain conditions lead oncogenic transformation of the normal cells leading cancer.

A cancer cell is diferent from| the normal cell in following ways

Cancer cell

Normal cell

Cancer cells divvide in an uncontrolled

Manner

Normal cells divide in a controlled

Manner.

The cells do not show contact inhibition.

The cells show contact inhibition.

Life span is indefinite.

Life span is definite.