Question

The characteristic of malignant other than a benign tumor is?

(a) Undergoes metastasis

(b) Develops blood supply

(c) Cell divides an unlimited number of times

(d) Grows without needing a growth signal

I have been asked this question in an internship interview.

This intriguing question comes from Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressor Genes and Programmed Cell Death in portion Biosignalling of Biochemistry

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(a) Undergoes metastasis

Malignant tumors are characterized by their ability to metastasize, which means they can spread from their original site to other parts of the body, typically through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This is a key difference from benign tumors, which generally remain localized and do not spread.

The other options are also characteristics of malignant tumors, but metastasis is a defining feature that distinguishes malignant from benign tumors.