Question

A new cancer drug has been developed that keeps cancer cells from replicating their DNA. At which checkpoint should the drug interrupt the cell cycle to keep DNA from replicating?

1. 1 Checkpoint
2. 2 Checkpoint
3. 2 and M Checkpoint
4. M Checkpoint

Answer 1

To stop DNA replication in cancer cells, a drug should target the G1 Checkpoint, which is the first checkpoint in the cell cycle where the cell prepares for DNA synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

To inhibit the replication of DNA in cancer cells, a drug would need to target the cell cycle checkpoint that prevents the transition from the G1 phase to the S (synthesis) phase. This is where the cell prepares for DNA replication. The correct checkpoint to target would therefore be the G1 Checkpoint, often referred to as the first checkpoint or Checkpoint 1. This checkpoint ensures that the cell has the necessary components for DNA replication and checks for DNA damage before replication begins.

By interrupting the cell cycle here, the replication of DNA within cancer cells can be effectively stopped, preventing the cells from dividing and potentially limiting the growth of the tumor.