Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cancer

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Cancer

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Problem 2

Textbook Question

Vinblastine is a standard chemotherapeutic drug used to treat cancer. Because it interferes with the assembly of microtubules, its effectiveness must be related toa. disruption of mitotic spindle formation.b. suppression of cyclin production.c. myosin denaturation and inhibition of cleavage furrow formation.d.inhibition of DNA synthesis.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the primary function of vinblastine, which is to interfere with the assembly of microtubules.

Understand that microtubules are crucial components of the mitotic spindle, which is essential for chromosome separation during cell division.

Recognize that disrupting microtubule assembly would directly affect the formation and function of the mitotic spindle.

Consider the options provided: (a) disruption of mitotic spindle formation, (b) suppression of cyclin production, (c) myosin denaturation and inhibition of cleavage furrow formation, (d) inhibition of DNA synthesis.

Determine which option directly relates to the role of microtubules in cell division, focusing on the mitotic spindle's role in this process.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Microtubules and Mitotic Spindle

Microtubules are dynamic structures that play a crucial role in cell division by forming the mitotic spindle, which separates chromosomes during mitosis. Vinblastine disrupts the assembly of these microtubules, leading to improper spindle formation and ultimately preventing the successful division of cancer cells.

Cyclins and Cell Cycle Regulation

Cyclins are proteins that regulate the cell cycle by activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). While cyclin production is essential for cell cycle progression, vinblastine's primary mechanism of action is not through cyclin suppression but rather through its effect on microtubules, making this option less relevant in the context of its effectiveness.

DNA Synthesis Inhibition

Inhibition of DNA synthesis refers to the prevention of DNA replication, which is critical for cell division. However, vinblastine does not directly inhibit DNA synthesis; instead, it targets microtubule dynamics, which is a distinct mechanism of action that affects the mitotic process rather than the genetic material itself.