An abnormal and uncontrolled division of cells is termed as Cancer.
The Cancerous cells are different from the normal cells in the following ways.
| Cancer Cells |
Normal Cells |
| 1. Cancer cells divide in an uncontrolled manner. |
1. Normal cells divide in a controlled manner. |
| 2. The cells do not show contact inhibition |
2. The cells show contact inhibition. |
| 3. Life span is indefinite |
3. Life span is definite. |
In our body, the growth and differentiation of cells is highly controlled and regulated. The normal cells show a property called contact inhibition.
The surrounding cells inhibit uncontrolled growth and division of cells.
The normal cells lose this property and become cancerous cells giving rise to masses of cells called tumors. Transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells is induced by some physical, chemical and biological agents (carcinogens).
