Final answer:
The chemotherapeutics used to affect the mitotic spindle are 1) Taxanes, which block spindle fiber microtubules from depolymerizing, and 2) Vinca alkaloids, which disrupt mitosis by binding to tubulin and interfering with microtubule assembly. Both result in the disruption of cell division. Option 1,2 are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question regarding which chemotherapeutic would be used to affect the mitotic spindle, the correct answer is: 1) Taxanes and 2) Vinca alkaloids. These two categories of drugs are known for targeting the mitotic spindle during cell division.
Taxanes, such as Pacitaxel (Taxol®), act by blocking the depolymerization of spindle microtubules, thus inhibiting the mitotic process during anaphase and telophase. Vinca alkaloids, including Vincristine (Oncovin®) and Vinblastine (Velban®), bind to tubulin and interfere with the assembly of microtubules, preventing the formation of spindles during prophase.
The spindle fibers are essential for the segregation of chromosomes to the daughter cells. Without a properly functioning mitotic spindle, cell division is arrested, leading to cell death, which is desirable in cancer treatment to eliminate rapidly dividing tumor cells.
In contrast, Topoisomerase inhibitors and Antimetabolites act through different mechanisms, targeting other processes within the cell, such as DNA replication and repair.