Sea cucumbers are fascinating creatures that reside in the depths of the ocean. These creatures contribute to the well-being of humans around the world. Contrary to popular belief that sea cucumbers are ugly, slimy sea creatures, they are important to the world because of their impact on cancer and tumors. They are currently being tested as cancer and tumor fighting animals and since they kill so much these days, the discovery of cancer cure and the use of sea cucumbers as a way to stop tumors could save millions of lives. cucumbers are the ability to reproduce sexually and asexually. Asexual reproduction is “reproduction not involving the union of gametes” (Kent, George C., Jr). The sperm and egg do not necessarily have to meet as in sexual reproduction. For example, if a sea cucumber were cut in half, the two halves would grow back, resulting in two sea cucumbers. Mushrooms and jellyfish also have the ability to reproduce in this way. Another amazing ability of these creatures is the ability to regrow their organs after expelling them from their body. When sea cucumbers feel threatened by their predators, they discharge their internal organs (notably their Cuvierian tubules, which are part of the digestive system) to confuse them. They also entangle their predators with a sticky substance coming out of their anus. Not only does this defense method confuse their predators, but it also gives the cucumber enough time to escape after entangling them. Discharged organs grow back in just a few weeks. Sea cucumbers are being researched to cure cancer and stop tumors because they can "clone" and reclaim their organs quickly. “Research on sea cucumbers has validated its capabilities.... middle of paper..... .d. Internet. January 2, 2014. Kent, George C., Jr. “Encyclopedia Britannica Online.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, nd Web. September 29, 2013. Encyclopedia article Murdoch, Cindy. “Sea cucumber kills cancer cells with astonishing effectiveness.” Underground health. Healthy Life, November 7, 2013. Web. January 1, 2014. “Physical side effects”. Cancer treatment. American Cancer Society, nd Web. January 2, 2014. “Sea cucumber kills 95% of cancer cells and shrinks tumors. » Mind Unleashed sea cucumber was found to kill 95 cancer cells and shrink tumors. The freed spirit, November 6, 2012. Web. January 2, 2014. “What are the key statistics on pancreatic cancer? » What are the key statistics on pancreatic cancer? The American Cancer Society, January 28, 2013. Web. November 11, 2013. WHO. "Cancer." WHO. World Health Organization, January 2013. Web. January 3. 2014.