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Tumor - Nutrients

by Asymptote (Submitted: 12/27/2008)

Run Tumor - Nutrients in your browser uses NetLogo 4.0.4 requires Java 1.4.1+ (system requirements) Download Tumor - Nutrients If clicking does not initiate a download, try right clicking or control clicking and choosing "Save" or "Download". Note: If you have trouble running the model in your browser, you may wish to download the application instead.

WHAT IS IT?

This is a highly simplified model of tumor formation in healthy tissue.

HOW IT WORKS

The normal cells (blue) naturally spread out, and when there is no room left for them to spread out, they stop dividing. Abnormal cells (red), however, continue to reproduce even when they're surrounded by other cells, mimicking the behavior of real cancer cells.

All cells consume nutrients, but tumor cells grow so quickly and pack so close together that nutrients start to run out, leading to tissue destruction and eventual death.

HOW TO USE IT

Press "Setup" to create a population of cells and a few random sources of nutrients (blood vessels). Press "Go", and the cells will start dividing. Press "Mutate One" to change one normal cell into a cancerous cell.

THINGS TO NOTICE

Notice how the growing tumor drains nutrients from the surrounding area, disorganizes the nearby tissue, and eventually leads to cell death (necrosis).

CREDITS AND REFERENCES

This model was created by http://asymptote.wordpress.com