(This information comes from a basic college biochemistry text book)
A Normal Cell is Like Your Cat
1. It needs a structure to determine the size of bones and shape of the body, tail and whiskers. This is determined by the DNA in genes and chromosomes.
2. It needs energy to play and prowl and sustain life. This is derived from the chemicals in food.
3. It needs a system to deliver chemicals (food nutrients like amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals) to all parts of the body. These are the blood vessels.
4. It needs growth factors to take it from being a kitty into a lazy old cat.
5. It needs to function normally.
Cancer Cells are Different
The body and its cells are mostly made up of protein. The building blocks of proteins are substances called amino acids that in the form of enzymes and hormones literally control every chemical reaction within the cells. When these are modified, different messages are sent to a complex control system that can alter their function.
There are twenty different kinds of amino acids that are essential to life. Twelve of these can be synthesized within the body but eight must be supplied by the daily diet.
| 1. Structure | |
| Normal Cells | Cancer Cells |
| DNA in genes and chromosomes go about their business in a normal way. | Cancer cells develop a different DNA or gene structure or acquire abnormal numbers of chromosomes. |
| Cells divide in an orderly way to produce more cells only when the body needs them. | Cells continue to be created without control or order. If not needed, a mass of tissue is formed, which is called a tumor |
| 2. Energy | |
| Normal Cells | Cancer Cells |
| Cells derive 70% of their energy from a system called the “Krebs Cycle. | Cells have a defective “Krebs Cycle” and derive little or no energy from it |
| Cells derive only 20% of their energy from a system called “Glycolysis.” | Cancer cells derive almost all their energy from “Glycolysis.” |
| Cells derive most of their energy with the use of oxygen. | Cells derive most of their energy in the absence of oxygen. |
| 3. Blood Vessels | |
| Normal Cells | Cancer Cells |
| Cells have a built-in blood vessel system. | Cells don’t have a built-in blood vessel system. They require more amino acids to build one. |
| 4. Growth Factors | |
| Normal Cells | Cancer Cells |
| While similar to cancer cells, the amount of them are more in balance to produce a more normal level of activity. | These cells have over produced, require more chemicals (food) and are over active |
| 5. Functions | |
| Normal Cells | Cancer Cells |
| The enzymes and hormones go about business in a normal balanced manner. | The enzymes and hormones are either over active or under active. |
| Tumors Are Different | |
| Benign Benign tumors are not cancerous. They do not invade nearby tissues nor spread to other parts of the body. They can be removed and are not a threat to life. | Malignant Malignant tumors are cancerous. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs, and they can break away and enter the blood stream to form new tumors in other parts of the body. The spread of cancer is called metastasis. |