Question

Many types of cancer are treated with a combination of therapies. In lung cancer, some tumors respond well to the drug paclitaxel followed by radiation treatment. Explain the mechanism of action of paclitaxel in disrupting mitosis and how this leads to tripolar cell division.

Answer 1

Paclitaxel disrupts mitosis by blocking the depolymerization of spindle fiber microtubules, leading to tripolar cell division.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paclitaxel (taxol) is a chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of lung cancer. It disrupts mitosis by blocking the depolymerization of spindle fiber microtubules, which are essential for chromosome separation during cell division. This leads to tripolar cell division, where the chromosomes attempt to align on three different poles instead of the usual two. The abnormal cell division caused by paclitaxel can result in cell death and a reduction in tumor size.