We consider all somatic cells in a multicellular organism to be altruistic and all other cells that do not conform to the general rules of good behavior as ?selfish.? One may raise the philosophical question of whether these rogue cells express the occult selfishness inherent to all cells a priori, but are generally strictly and efficiently controlled by genetic mechanisms (so we think). The word ?Selfish? means, by definition, deficient in consideration of others. There is, however, the usual gray zone: in the diversity of life, there must be idle onlookers. Cells, of course, have no free will; and their ultimate behavior is the result of frequently unknown forces, unless proven otherwise. Why then do potential cancer cells stay for such a considerable time in arrest, even in established malignancies?
Go to Previous Page
Go to Next Page