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Chapter 19: Problem 29

Most chemotherapeutic drugs kill cells by a. producing pores in plasma membranes. b. interfering with protein synthesis. c. interfering with cellular respiration. d. interfering with DNA and/or enzymes.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The most likely mode of action for most chemotherapeutic drugs is by interfering with DNA and/or enzymes. Thus, the correct answer is (d).

Step by step solution

01

Understand Cell Function and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapeutic drugs are designed to target rapidly dividing and growing cells, such as cancer cells, to prevent their proliferation and spread. To select the correct answer, understanding the basic cell functions and the potential impact of disrupting these processes is important.
02

Option A: Producing Pores in Plasma Membranes

The plasma membrane is a crucial component of the cell, acting as a barrier and controlling what enters and exits the cell. Creating pores in the plasma membrane could potentially disrupt the cell's integrity and lead to cell death. However, this mode of action is not specific to cancer cells and could affect healthy cells as well. Hence, this option is less likely as the primary mode of action for most chemotherapeutic drugs.
03

Option B: Interfering with Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is crucial for cell growth and function. Disrupting this process could be a plausible way of targeting rapidly dividing cells. However, interfering with protein synthesis could also affect healthy cells, making it a less specific and potentially more toxic option for most chemotherapeutic drugs.
04

Option C: Interfering with Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy. While targeting cellular respiration might lead to cell death, it would also affect both healthy and cancerous cells indiscriminately. Thus, this option is not the most specific or effective for most chemotherapeutic drugs.
05

Option D: Interfering with DNA and/or Enzymes

DNA replication and enzyme function are crucial for cell division and growth. Interfering with these processes can specifically target rapidly dividing cancer cells, as they require constant replication of their DNA and the activity of various enzymes to maintain their rapid growth. This mode of action would be more effective at targeting cancer cells while minimizing the impact on healthy cells. Therefore, this option is the most plausible and effective mode of action for most chemotherapeutic drugs.
06

Answer

Based on the analysis of each option, the most likely mode of action for most chemotherapeutic drugs is by interfering with DNA and/or enzymes. Thus, the correct answer is (d).

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