AP Bio Cell Divison Notes

Cancer Cells vs. Regular Cells

• Cancer cells do not adhere to normal cellular rules and behaviors.

• Unlike normal cells, cancer cells do not obey contact inhibition; they can float and proliferate regardless of their environment.

Cell Cycle

• Cancer cells continue to go through the cell cycle despite signals that would normally inhibit their division.

• This unregulated progression contributes to tumor growth and metastasis.

Growth Factors

• Growth factors are proteins that stimulate cell division and promote growth.

• They encourage cells to proliferate when normally they may not.

• The term "factor" often refers to various types of proteins that influence cellular processes:

  • Growth Factors: Encourage cell growth and division.

  • Transcription Factors: Regulate gene expression by promoting transcription.

  • Translation Factors: Facilitate the process of translation, where proteins are synthesized from mRNA.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Emphasis on understanding the role of growth factors in cancer development requires ongoing study and reflection.

• Importance of using metaphorical "onion-rooted glasses" to look deeper into topics related to cancer.