Q. 32 - Biology

Question

Chemotherapy drugs such as vincristine (derived from Madagascar periwinkle plants) and colchicine (derived from autumn crocus plants) disrupt mitosis by binding to tubulin (the subunit of microtubules) and interfering

with microtubule assembly and disassembly. Exactly what mitotic structure is targeted by these drugs and what effect would that have on cell division?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

When these drugs bind to tubulin, it inhibits the spindle formation and ultimately arrest the cell cycle.

Step 1. Introduction

Vincristine and colchicine are chemotherapy drugs (drugs used for treat cancer).

Step 2. Concept

Vincristine and Colchicine binds to tubulin, disrupts the microtubule arrangement by interfering with its assembly and disassembly.

Step 3. Explanation

Since the spindle is made of microtubules,  so when the drugs bind to tubulin and targets by stop the polymerization of tubulin dimers then it results in inhibition  of spindle formation. This can arrest the cell cycle.