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

Introduction to the Cell Cycle

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Introduction to the Cell Cycle

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3:49 minutes

Problem 19

Textbook Question

Two examples of chemotherapeutic drugs (drugs used to treat cancer) and their cellular actions are listed below. Explain why each drug could be fatal to a cell. • Vincristine (brand name Oncovin): damages the mitotic spindle • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin): binds to DNA and blocks mRNA synthesis

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of the mitotic spindle in cell division: The mitotic spindle is a structure composed of microtubules that segregates chromosomes into daughter cells during mitosis. Damage to the spindle prevents proper chromosome alignment and separation, leading to cell cycle arrest or cell death.

Analyze the effect of Vincristine: Vincristine disrupts the mitotic spindle, which halts mitosis. Without successful mitosis, the cell cannot divide, leading to apoptosis (programmed cell death) or necrosis. This is particularly effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Understand the role of DNA in transcription: DNA serves as the template for mRNA synthesis during transcription. mRNA is essential for protein synthesis, which is critical for cell survival and function.

Analyze the effect of Doxorubicin: Doxorubicin binds to DNA and inhibits mRNA synthesis. This prevents the production of essential proteins, disrupting cellular processes and leading to cell death. Cancer cells, which rely on high rates of protein synthesis, are especially vulnerable.

Summarize why these drugs are fatal to cells: Both drugs target fundamental processes required for cell survival—Vincristine disrupts mitosis, and Doxorubicin blocks transcription. By interfering with these processes, the drugs induce cell death, making them effective against cancer cells.

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Key Concepts

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

Mitotic Spindle

The mitotic spindle is a structure made of microtubules that segregates chromosomes during cell division. It is essential for ensuring that each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes. Vincristine disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle, leading to improper chromosome separation, which can result in cell death due to aneuploidy or failure to complete mitosis.

DNA Binding and Transcription Inhibition

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates into DNA, disrupting the normal function of the genetic material. By binding to DNA, it inhibits the synthesis of mRNA, which is crucial for protein production. This blockage can lead to cell death as essential proteins for survival and replication are not produced, ultimately compromising cellular function.

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a programmed cell death mechanism that allows cells to self-destruct when they are damaged or no longer needed. Both Vincristine and Doxorubicin can trigger apoptotic pathways in cells due to their disruptive actions on mitosis and transcription. When cells cannot properly divide or produce necessary proteins, they may initiate apoptosis to prevent the propagation of damaged cells, leading to cell death.