Correct option is A
Correct Answer (A and C):
A. Cancer cells mostly have mutations whereas cancer stem cells do not: Cancer stem cells are thought to be less mutated than regular cancer cells. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate, which is why they are often considered the "root" of cancer. While cancer cells may accumulate mutations that cause uncontrolled proliferation, cancer stem cells have a more regulated mutation profile, enabling them to preserve their self-renewal abilities.
C. Cancer stem cells can undergo self-renewal whereas cancer cells cannot: One of the defining features of cancer stem cells is their ability to self-renew and generate differentiated progeny, making them crucial for the long-term maintenance of the tumor. This self-renewal property allows them to regenerate and maintain the tumor, even after chemotherapy or radiation therapy has eliminated the majority of cancer cells.
Additional Information:
B. Cancer cells divide to form two different populations of cells whereas cancer stem cells do not divide: This is inaccurate. Cancer stem cells divide asymmetrically, producing both stem cells and differentiated cells. Cancer cells, on the other hand, usually divide symmetrically, producing more cancer cells without maintaining a stem cell population.
D. Cancer cells are predominantly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation: Although some cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, it is the cancer stem cells that exhibit greater resistance. These cells possess mechanisms that allow them to survive treatment, contributing to relapse.
E. Cancer stem cells are found only in the bone marrow and placenta: This is incorrect. Cancer stem cells can be found in various types of cancers, including brain, breast, colon, and leukemia, and are not restricted to the bone marrow or placenta.
