Why Do Cancer Cells Exhibit Uncontrolled Growth?
Why do cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth?
Cancer cells are cells which undergo uncontrolled cell division and growth, as compared to normal cells which have moderated growth and division rates. This is because of various kinds of mutations in the DNA. For you to understand how this happens, lets discuss the interphase of the cell cycle.
Interphase is the stage in cell cycle wherein the cell undergoes a checkpoint to monitor if there is an error. These are:
- G1 phase - the cell grows and doubles its organelles
- S phase - the cell replicates its DNA and synthesizes proteins necessary for the cell
- G2 phase - checkpoint of the cell and continuation of growth.
Now, if the cell makes a mistake these three, it may lead to mutations. These mutations cause the cell to continuously grow and divide. After that, you now have a cancer cell.
The chemicals or compounds that are known to cause cancer are called carcinogens. These carcinogens are found around us, these include cigarette smoke, in some food we eat, radiation/radioactive chemicals. Risk is decreased by decreasing exposure to these materials.
For more information about cancer and cell division, you may click the links below:
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