[Campbell Biology P.1067] Which statement accurately describes growth factors? | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes growth factors?

  • A: They are produced by the anterior pituitary.
  • B: They are modified fatty acids that stimulate bone and cartilage growth.
  • C: They are found on the surface of cancer cells and stimulate abnormal cell division.
  • D: They bind to cell-surface receptors and stimulate growth and development of target cells.

Explanation

Growth factors are a broad category of local regulators, often polypeptides, that act over short distances to stimulate various aspects of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells. This action leads to a cascade of intracellular events that promote growth and development.