Atherosclerosis is a disease that obstructs blood flow and, therefore, oxygen supply to target organs. A major component of atherosclerosis is the excessive reproduction of smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels. Certain drugs may have the potential to reverse or prevent the unregulated reproduction of the diseased blood-vessel cells. Which of these processes is the most likely target of these drugs?

Question

Atherosclerosis is a disease that obstructs blood flow and, therefore, oxygen supply to target organs. A major component of atherosclerosis is the excessive reproduction of smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels. Certain drugs may have the potential to reverse or prevent the unregulated reproduction of the diseased blood-vessel cells. Which of these processes is the most likely target of these drugs?

Erythroblast differentiation

Cellular respiration

DNA transcription

Cell division

Answer 1

The process that is most likely the target of drugs aimed at reversing or preventing the unregulated reproduction of smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis is cell division.

Atherosclerosis involves the excessive proliferation of smooth muscle cells, so targeting the mechanisms that control cell division can help to reduce the number of these cells and alleviate the disease. By inhibiting cell division, these drugs can potentially prevent the growth of the plaque that obstructs blood flow in the arteries.