UPSC Prelims 2001 Q137: Science & Technology – Health & Diseases
“Metastasis” is the process by which
- (a) cells divide rapidly under the influence of drugs
- (b) cancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs
- (c) the chromosomes in cell nuclei are attached to the spindle before moving to the anaphase poles
- (d) cancer cells are successfully inhibited to divide any further
Answer: (b) cancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs
Explanation
What metastasis is
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Metastasis | Spread of cancer cells through blood or lymph to other organs |
| Benign tumour | Stays in one place; does not spread |
| Malignant tumour | Invades nearby tissue and can metastasise |
| Anaphase | Stage of cell division when chromosomes move to the poles — unrelated |
Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells break away, travel through the blood or lymphatic system, and form new tumours elsewhere. It is the main feature that makes malignant tumours dangerous.
Answer: (b) cancer cells spread through the blood or lymphatic system to other sites or organs.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rapid division under drugs is not metastasis.
- (b) CORRECT. Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to other organs.
- (c) Incorrect. This describes mitosis, not metastasis.
- (d) Incorrect. Stopping cancer cell division is treatment, not metastasis.
Key point
Cancer treatment: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy (e.g. CAR-T cells).
Remember
Metastasis = spread of cancer via blood or lymph.
Common mistakes
- Choosing the mitosis option because it sounds technical.
- Thinking metastasis means stopping cancer.
- Mixing benign and malignant tumours.
Exam tip
Meta = change of place; metastasis = cancer changing place.
Sources
- NCERT Class XII — Biology, chapter 'Human Health and Disease' (cancer)
- National Cancer Institute — Metastatic Cancer: when cancer spreads