Which statement accurately describes anchorage-dependent cells?

Anchorage-dependent cells are those that require attachment to a solid surface or substrate in order to grow and divide. This mechanism is fundamental for many types of cells, especially in multicellular organisms, as it enables cells to maintain their position within tissues and to receive signals from their environment that promote growth and differentiation. When such cells are cultured in a laboratory setting, they must be attached to the culture dish or to another surface to proliferate; if they are suspended in a liquid medium without attachment, they typically will not grow.

In contrast, the other statements do not hold true for anchorage-dependent cells. These cells cannot thrive in a free-floating state (which corresponds to the idea of growing freely in any environment), they have specific nutritional requirements for energy and building materials, and they possess adhesive properties that allow them to attach to their substrate. Hence, the characteristic of requiring attachment accurately describes their behavior and physiology.