Growth factors are local regulators that a. are produced by the anterior pituitary. b. are modified fatty acids that stimulate bone and cartilage growth. c. are found on the surface of cancer cells and stimulate abnormal cell division. d. bind to cell-surface receptors and stimulate growth and development of target cells.

Key Concepts

Growth Factors

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that play a crucial role in regulating cellular processes such as growth, proliferation, and differentiation. They act as signaling molecules that bind to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, initiating a cascade of biological responses that promote cell growth and development.

Cell-Surface Receptors

Cell-surface receptors are proteins located on the cell membrane that interact with external signaling molecules, such as hormones and growth factors. When a growth factor binds to its corresponding receptor, it triggers a series of intracellular signaling pathways that lead to various cellular responses, including growth and division.

Cancer Cell Behavior

Cancer cells often exhibit abnormal behavior, including uncontrolled growth and division. This can be influenced by the presence of growth factors that may bind to receptors on cancer cells, leading to excessive signaling that promotes tumor growth. Understanding this interaction is essential for developing targeted cancer therapies.