Which characteristic is commonly associated with cancer cells?

Cancer cells are typically characterized by uncontrolled growth and division. Unlike normal cells, which adhere to regulatory mechanisms that control their proliferation and ensure they only divide when necessary, cancer cells escape from these controls. This aberrant behavior allows them to proliferate excessively, leading to the formation of tumors.

Normal cellular processes involve checks and balances, such as the action of tumor suppressor genes, which help to regulate the cell cycle and promote apoptosis in abnormal cells. In cancer, these mechanisms are often disrupted, allowing the cells to bypass apoptosis and continue dividing indefinitely. This characteristic of uncontrolled growth is a hallmark of cancer, allowing tumors to expand and invade surrounding tissues, ultimately leading to metastasis.

Understanding this fundamental behavior of cancer cells is crucial for developing targeted therapies that aim to interrupt their unchecked proliferation.