Question

Microtubules in the cytoplasm of the cell are composed of two protein subunits, α-tubulin and β-tubulin. Addition of colchicine to the cells results in the disassembly of the microtubules and consequently an increase in the concentration of tubulin subunits. Based on your knowledge of translational regulation, what changes in protein production would occur?

a) Increased protein production
b) Decreased protein production
c) No change in protein production
d) Protein production stops

Answer 1

Upon addition of colchicine, which disrupts microtubule assembly, cells experience an increase in free tubulin concentrations, likely leading to decreased protein production due to feedback inhibition mechanisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Microtubules are integral components of the cellular cytoskeleton and are composed of α-tubulin and β-tubulin subunits. When colchicine is added to cells, it binds to tubulin and prevents microtubule assembly, leading to the disassembly of microtubules and an increase in free tubulin subunit concentration. From the perspective of translational regulation, this would likely lead to decreased protein production of tubulin subunits since the feedback inhibition would suggest that the cell has an ample supply of tubulin, reducing the need for further synthesis.