The Connection Between Stem Cells and Cancer is That

Question

The connection between stem cells and cancer is that
A) all stem cells are also cancer cells.
B) cells may become cancerous by expressing "stemness" genes.
C) stem cells rescue cells that have become cancerous.
D) stem cells become cancerous if a person smokes.
E) both stem cells and cancer cells have inactivated telomerase.

Accepted Answer

Cells can become cancerous by expressing "stemness" genes, which allow them to self-renew and resist differentiation. This is why some types of cancer, such as leukemia, are thought to originate from mutations in stem cells. However, not all stem cells are cancerous and not all cancer cells exhibit stemness.