Question

Paclitaxel is a drug that stabilizes microtubules, preventing their breakdown.
Why would this drug be useful for cancer therapy?

• A. The cell membrane is made largely of microtubules and cannot divide when they are stabilized.
• B. Breakdown of microtubules stimulates the start of cell division.
• C. Presence of microtubules increases density-dependent inhibition of cancer cells.
• D. Movement and breakdown of the cytoskeleton are essential to completion of mitosis.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Movement and breakdown of the cytoskeleton are essential to completion of mitosis.

Paclitaxel is a drug used in the treatment of cancer. It is a cytoskeletal drug that prevents the disssembly of microtubles that are formed during cell division,that is it stabilizes the microtubules, therefore the chromosome separation does not occur during Anaphase. If this phase is prolonged then the cell either undergoes apoptosis or it reverts back to G${}_0$ phase.

So, the correct answer is 'Movement and breakdown of the cytoskeleton are essential to completion of mitosis'