Growth factor

Growth factors stimulate the growth of the cell. The growth of the cell is defined as an increase in cell mass. The increase in cell mass occurs by promoting the synthesis or proteins and other macromolecules and also inhibiting the cells degradation. Growth factors are usually proteins or steriod hormones and are used ro reguate specific cell processes.

Alberts B, et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell (5 ed.). pg 1101-1110. New York:Garland Science.