However, they behave quite differently. This is probably caused by their inability to synthesize telomerase . Cancer cells in culture produce telomerase . Then mitosis ceases. This phenomenon is called contact inhibition .
Cancer cells show no contact inhibition.
Once the surface of the dish is covered, the cells continue to divide, piling up into mounds. The cells on the left show contact inhibition. Those on the right do not. The cells on the right are said to be transformed . Radiation, certain chemicals, and certain viruses are capable of transforming cells.