Question

Which of the following statements are correct about malignant tumor cells?

• A. [(A)] \textbf{Most malignant tumor cells show DNA aneuploidy}
• B. [(B)] \textbf{The N : C ratio is decreased from 1 : 1 to 1 : 5}
• C. [(C)] \textbf{Nuclear chromatin is increased and coarsely clumped}
• D. [(D)] \textbf{Malignant cells have prominent nucleoli in the nucleus.} \textbf{Choose the correct answer from the options given below :}

Hint:

\textbf{Pathology: Cellular Characteristics of Malignancy.} Remember the key cytological features that help identify malignant cells under a microscope: nuclear pleomorphism, hyperchromasia, increased N:C ratio, prominent nucleoli, and increased mitotic activity. Aneuploidy is a common underlying genetic abnormality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Let's evaluate each statement regarding the characteristics of malignant tumor cells: (A) Most malignant tumor cells show DNA aneuploidy: Aneuploidy, an abnormal number of chromosomes, is a common feature of malignant cells due to genomic instability. This often leads to an imbalance in gene expression, contributing to uncontrolled growth and other malignant properties. Thus, statement (A) is correct. (B) The N : C ratio is decreased from 1 : 1 to 1 : 5: Malignant cells typically have an increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio, often approaching or exceeding 1:1, due to the enlarged and hyperchromatic nuclei with relatively less cytoplasm compared to normal cells. A decrease in the N:C ratio to 1:5 would suggest a much smaller nucleus relative to the cytoplasm, which is not characteristic of malignancy. Thus, statement (B) is incorrect. (C) Nuclear chromatin is increased and coarsely clumped: Malignant cells often exhibit hyperchromasia, meaning their nuclei are darker due to an increased amount of DNA. The chromatin pattern is frequently coarse and clumped, reflecting the abnormal organization of the genetic material. Thus, statement (C) is correct. (D) Malignant cells have prominent nucleoli in the nucleus: Nucleoli are structures within the nucleus involved in ribosome synthesis. Malignant cells, with their high rate of proliferation and protein synthesis, often have one or more large and prominent nucleoli. Thus, statement (D) is correct. Therefore, the correct statements about malignant tumor cells are (A), (C), and (D).