Question

Vinblastine is a medicine that is used to treat certain kinds of cancer. It is made from compounds extracted from the leaves of Madagascar periwinkle plants. A lot of plants are needed to make a small amount of vinblastine.

Scientists want to find a way to make vinblastine cheaper and more easily available. Which of the following are they most likely doing to try to accomplish this?

Answer 1

To make vinblastine cheaper and more easily available, scientists are most likely engaging in one or more of the following strategies:

1. **Synthetic Production**: Researching and developing synthetic pathways to produce vinblastine in the laboratory. This would involve creating chemical reactions that can replicate the structure of vinblastine without needing large quantities of the plant.

2. **Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering**: Using genetic modification techniques to alter microorganisms (like bacteria or yeast) or plant cells to produce vinblastine. This can include inserting genes responsible for vinblastine synthesis into these organisms.

3. **Plant Cell Culture**: Exploring plant cell culture methods to grow Madagascar periwinkle cells in controlled environments. This technique can produce higher yields of vinblastine compared to harvesting from wild plants.

4. **Optimization of Cultivation Methods**: Investigating more efficient agricultural practices or improved cultivation methods to maximize the yield of vinblastine from Madagascar periwinkle plants while minimizing costs.

5. **Isolation and Analysis of Biosynthetic Pathways**: Studying the biosynthetic pathways that lead to vinblastine production to identify key enzymes or intermediates that could be targeted for more efficient production.

By employing these strategies, scientists aim to reduce reliance on natural plant sources and increase the availability and affordability of vinblastine for cancer treatment.