True or False: A normal cell is anchorage-dependent for growth.

A normal cell is indeed anchorage-dependent for growth, which means that it requires attachment to a solid substrate or extracellular matrix in order to proliferate and function properly. This characteristic is typical of most normal mammalian cells, which rely on signals from their environment to activate growth and survival pathways. Anchorage dependence is an important regulatory mechanism that ensures cells only grow when they are positioned correctly within the tissue architecture.

In contrast, many cancer cells exhibit anchorage independence, allowing them to grow and replicate without the need for attachment. This aberration contributes to their ability to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize. Therefore, understanding anchorage dependence is crucial in distinguishing between normal and cancerous cell behavior, highlighting its role in normal cell regulation while illustrating the changes that occur in cancer physiology.