Cancer cells are often characterized by their rapid and uncontrolled division. The G0 phase, also known as the quiescent phase, is a state where cells are not actively preparing to divide. When cancer cells avoid or quickly pass through this phase, it implies that they have lost the regulatory mechanisms that control the cell cycle.
This behavior suggests that cancer cells have bypassed some of the checkpoints that would normally ensure that a cell is ready to proliferate. These checkpoints serve to prevent damaged or unprepared cells from entering the active phases of division. As a result, the rapid progression through the cycle can lead to the formation of tumors, as these cells replicate without the necessary checks and balances that healthy cells have.
Moreover, avoiding the G0 phase allows cancer cells to quickly respond to the surrounding environment, making them more aggressive and adaptable in various conditions, such as low nutrients or hypoxia. This capability is one of the factors that contributes to the malignancy and resilience of cancer cells in the face of treatment.