Cancer Cells
Cancerous cells develop when conditions for cells are favorable,
therefore
allowing the divisions to continually occur, never stopping. When
this happens,
a tissue mass of cells called a tumor is formed and does not
respond to normal
controls regarding cell growth. Cancer cells have the
following characteristics:
profound changes in the plasma and membrane
cytoplasm, abnormal growth and
division weakened capacity for adhesion, and
lethality. The membrane
permeability is intensified and some proteins may be
altered or added. Enzyme
activities may also change and the cytoskeleton
shrinks, causing a chaotic
atmosphere. Controls are lost and cell populations
will dramatically increase.
New proteins cause abnormal increases in
small blood vessels. Due to the high
numbers, the cells can no longer attach
itself to the parent tissue. Unless the
cancerous cells are removed, they
will kill the individual.