Which of the following properties is not exhibited by cancerous cells, while the remaining three properties are?

Contact inhibition

The correct answer is (d) They show contact inhibition.

Contact inhibition is a property of normal cells that allows them to stop dividing and growing when they come into contact with neighboring cells. This mechanism ensures that cells maintain a proper arrangement and do not overcrowd or invade other tissues. Contact inhibition helps to regulate cell growth and maintain tissue integrity.

In contrast, cancerous cells lose the property of contact inhibition. They continue to divide and grow uncontrollably, disregarding the normal signals that would typically inhibit their proliferation. This uncontrolled cell division leads to the formation of a tumor, which can invade surrounding tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).

The other properties mentioned in the options, such as competition with normal cells for nutrients and uncontrolled cell division, are characteristics of cancerous cells. Cancer cells often outcompete normal cells for essential nutrients, depriving the surrounding healthy tissue of vital resources. Additionally, cancer cells divide and multiply rapidly, leading to the formation and growth of tumors.

Therefore, the absence of contact inhibition is a distinct property of cancerous cells, setting them apart from normal cells.