Differences between normal and neoplastic cells

Electron Microscopy Findings inN-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea-Induced Mammary Tumors

“…Mitochondria are essential sources of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the cells. Although alterations of mitochondrial morphology were not frequently reported in human mammary cancer cells (Ghadially, 1985), mitochondria with pleomorphic shape were found in cells from MNU-induced mammary tumors. Rough endoplasmic reticulum and its attached polyribosomes are responsible for the production of secretory proteins.…”

“…Rough endoplasmic reticulum and its attached polyribosomes are responsible for the production of secretory proteins. Cells that produce a protein-rich secretion, like hepatocytes, pancreatic cells, and fibroblasts, have a well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum (Ghadially, 1985). The reticulum remains in tumors arising in these organs.…”

“…The reticulum remains in tumors arising in these organs. An inverse relationship was described between the tumor growth rate and the amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum (Ghadially, 1985). The Golgi complex is well developed in secretory cells.…”

“…So, similarly to what occurs with the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi complex is an indicator of cellular differentiation and functional activity. Immature or undifferentiated cells, like stem cells, have a poorly developed Golgi complex and poor rough endoplasmic reticulum when compared with normal mature cells (Ghadially, 1985). c: Nuclei with an irregular shape and increased size were observed in some cells.…”

“…In addition, the less differentiated tumors have smaller Golgi complexes, in contrast to welldifferentiated mammary tumors, which normally present a well-differentiated Golgi complex. In some tumors, it may exhibit hypertrophy, dilation, or distortion (Ghadially, 1985). Secondary lysosomes were observed in most mammary tumors (Ghadially & Parry, 1966).…”