AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Why is angiogenesis important in cancer? Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the growth of cancer because solid tumors need a blood supply if they are to grow beyond a few millimeters in size. Tumors can actually cause this blood supply to form by giving off chemical signals that stimulate angiogenesis.

Detailed explanation-2: -Tumor angiogenesis allows for supply of oxygen, nutrients, growth factors, and tumor dissemination to distant sites. Sprouting vessels are formed from existing blood vessels through the proliferation of endothelial progenitors into the surrounding matrix in response to an angiogenic stimulus.

Detailed explanation-3: -Vascular endothelial growth factor-A is the most potent pro-angiogenic protein described to date. It induces proliferation, sprouting and tube formation of endothelial cells. Angiogenesis is therefore a putative target for therapy.