Use the following information to answer the next few questions.
CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) results from a translocation between human chromosomes 9 and 22. The resulting chromosome 22 is significantly shorter than usual, and it is known as a Philadelphia (Ph') chromosome. The junction at the site of the translocation causes overexpression of a thymine kinase receptor. A new drug (Gleevec or imatinib) has been found to inhibit the disease if the patient is treated early.
-Why would Gleevec most probably cause remission of the disease?
A) It reverses the chromosomal translocation.
B) It eliminates the Ph' chromosome.
C) It removes Ph'-containing progenitor cells.
D) The drug inhibits the replication of the affected chromosome.
E) The drug inhibits the specific thymine kinase receptor.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gleevec inhibits the overexpression of a specific thymine kinase receptor caused by the translocation, thereby controlling the leukemia. It does not reverse the chromosomal translocation, eliminate the Ph' chromosome or remove Ph'-containing progenitor cells.

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