What does aneuploidy in malignant cells suggest?

Aneuploidy in malignant cells indicates that these cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes, which can be a hallmark of cancerous transformations. In a healthy individual, cells typically have a specific number of chromosomes—in humans, this is 46, arranged in 23 pairs. However, cancer cells often undergo genetic changes that lead to atypical numbers, either gaining or losing chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy.

This abnormality can impact gene expression and cell behavior, contributing to the uncontrolled growth and division characteristic of cancer. Understanding aneuploidy is crucial in oncology, as it can also have implications for prognosis and treatment responses. It is not simply a benign alteration; rather, it signifies that the cancer may exhibit more aggressive behavior and contribute to tumor heterogeneity, complicating treatment approaches.

In contrast, the other choices reflect characteristics that are not associated with aneuploidy. A normal number of chromosomes would indicate healthy, non-cancerous cells, while being well-differentiated typically refers to cells that resemble normal cells and often have a more organized chromosomal structure. Lastly, non-migratory refers to a lack of ability for cells to metastasize, which is not directly related to