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Inhibitors of microtubule assembly, vinblastine for example, are used for cancer chemotherapy. How does an inhibitor of microtubule assembly affect cancerous cells?

a) It stimulates microtubule formation
b) It inhibits DNA replication
c) It prevents cell division
d) It enhances protein synthesis

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Inhibitors of microtubule assembly, like vinblastine, prevent cell division in cancerous cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

An inhibitor of microtubule assembly, such as vinblastine, affects cancerous cells by preventing cell division.

Microtubules are important structures involved in cell division, specifically in the formation of the spindle fibers that help segregate chromosomes during mitosis. Inhibitors of microtubule assembly interfere with the proper formation and function of these spindle fibers, ultimately leading to the inhibition of cell division.

By preventing cancerous cells from dividing and proliferating, inhibitors of microtubule assembly can help control the growth of cancer tumors.

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