Vincristine is a vinca alkaloid used as a cancer treatment. This drug disrupts the formation of the mitotic spindle fibers. Why do you think vincristine is an effective chemotherapy drug? Explain the effects of this drug on cell division
What will be an ideal response?
During prophase of mitosis, or the M phase, a structure called the mitotic spindle forms. The mitotic spindle fibers from each centriole pair attach to each sister chromatid during prophase. During metaphase, the spindle fibers from opposite poles tug the sister chromatids so that they are lined up in the middle of the cell. Sister chromatids are pulled apart by the shortening of the spindle fibers. Since vincristine disrupts the formation of mitotic spindle fibers, daughter chromosomes will not be separated into two daughter cells. Thus, the formation of new cells is inhibited by vincristine.
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Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
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A) either a protein channel or a carrier protein B) a pump C) both ATP and a protein channel D) ATP only
Which structure is located deep within the cerebrum?
a. precentral gyrus b. diencephalon c. caudate nucleus d. pons
Most biologists see embryonic stem (ES) cells as a possible treatment for diseases that result from the loss of functional cells. This possibility is based on the fact that ES cells are ________ stem cells.
A. unipotent B. pluripotent C. omnipotent D. multipotent E. totipotent