Cervical cancer cells dividing, SEM
Cervical cancer cell, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The cervix is the lower part of the womb, also called the neck of the womb, and comprises part of the woman's reproductive system. Cervical cancer is more common in younger women. One of the main causes of cervical cancer is a persistent infection of certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV). In this image the cells are undergoing cytokinesis which is the physical process of cell division which divides the parental cell into two daughter cells. At the end of cytokinesis, the two daughter cells remain connected by the midbody for a short time. Cancer cells often divide and multiply uncontrollably which can lead to the formation of tumours. These cells also have very long extending filopodia like structures. Filopodia contain actin filaments and can have roles in numerous processes including cell-cell interactions, cell migration or as a sensory guide towards a chemoattractant which is a chemical agent that induces a cell to migrate towards it. This may promote tumour growth and the development of metastasis. These cells are also displaying blebbing. Blebbing is a bulge or protrusion of the plasma membrane of the cell which is visible on the cell surface. Blebbing may occur for a number of different reasons including during apoptosis or if a cell is undergoing physical or chemical stress but it also has important functions in cellular processes such as cell locomotion playing a role in cell migration. Magnification: x2300 when printed at 10 cm wide.
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Photo credit: © ANNE E. WESTON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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