A sample of normal skin cells and tumorous skin cells were treated with a potential cancer-treatment drug. The drug was administered to both normal (healthy) and cancerous (tumor) cells. The appearance and certain traits of these cells were recorded after treatment with the drug. Select the statements that accurately describe how the drug is able to treat cancer cells. Select three that apply.

Question

Responses
A The drug prevents DNA replication in cancer cells only.The drug prevents DNA replication in cancer cells only.
B The drug prevents cancer cells from transcribing genes.The drug prevents cancer cells from transcribing genes.
C The drug prevents cyclin levels from increasing in cancer cells.The drug prevents cyclin levels from increasing in cancer cells.
D The drug prevents cancer cells from entering prophase of mitosis.The drug prevents cancer cells from entering prophase of mitosis.
E The drug prevents all cells from passing through the G2 checkpoint.

Answer 1

To identify statements that accurately describe how a potential cancer-treatment drug might work, let's break down each option:

A. The drug prevents DNA replication in cancer cells only.
This is a plausible mechanism for a cancer treatment, as many cancer drugs target rapidly dividing cells and inhibiting DNA replication would selectively affect cancer cells.

B. The drug prevents cancer cells from transcribing genes.
This is also a possible mechanism, as inhibiting gene transcription can prevent the expression of genes necessary for tumor growth and survival.

C. The drug prevents cyclin levels from increasing in cancer cells.
This is a valid mechanism since cyclins regulate the cell cycle, and preventing their increase in cancer cells could inhibit cell division and proliferation.

D. The drug prevents cancer cells from entering prophase of mitosis.
This statement is accurate because drugs that target the mitotic phase can prevent cancer cells from progressing through the cell division phases, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

E. The drug prevents all cells from passing through the G2 checkpoint.
While a drug that affects the G2 checkpoint could inhibit all cells, this statement may not specify a selective mechanism for cancer treatment. Typically, cancer therapies aim to selectively target cancer cells, minimizing effects on normal cells.

Based on this analysis, the three most plausible and accurate statements are:

• A: The drug prevents DNA replication in cancer cells only.
• B: The drug prevents cancer cells from transcribing genes.
• C: The drug prevents cyclin levels from increasing in cancer cells.