Which of the following is NOT a typical behavior of cancer cells?

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Study for UCF PCB3023 Molecular Cell Biology Test. Prepare with diverse questions, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and get exam-ready!

Cancer cells exhibit several hallmark behaviors that contribute to their uncontrolled growth and survival. One of these characteristics is their ability to proliferate indefinitely, meaning they can continue to divide and grow without the normal limitations that other cells face, such as senescence. This immortality is often attributed to the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that maintains the telomeres at the ends of chromosomes, preventing the typical shortening that occurs with cell division.

Another behavior of cancer cells is that they are less prone to apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Under normal circumstances, cells receive signals that can trigger this process to eliminate damaged or unneeded cells. Cancer cells often acquire mutations in genes that regulate apoptosis, allowing them to evade these death signals and survive longer than they naturally would.

A high mutation rate is also common in cancer cells, resulting from defects in the DNA repair processes. These mutations can lead to the activation of oncogenes or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes, promoting tumor development and progression.

In contrast, the idea that cancer cells consume neighboring cells for fuel is not a standard behavior associated with cancer. While cancer cells may utilize alternative methods of metabolism to support their growth, such as the Warburg effect (favoring glycolysis even in the presence