Question 1

The first commercially available female contraceptive drug was approved by the FDA in

Accepted Answer

The first commercially available female contraceptive drug, Enovid, was approved by the FDA in 1960.

Question 2

Nitrogen mustards have been proven particularly effective against which type of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen mustards, such as cyclophosphamide and mechlorethamine, have been particularly effective against leukemia, a type of blood cancer. They work by damaging DNA in rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer cells. Nitrogen mustards are also used in the treatment of other types of cancer, but they have shown to be most effective against leukemia.

Question 3

Nitrogen mustards are

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen mustards are bifunctional alkylating agents that act by cross-linking two DNA strands, leading to DNA damage and ultimately cell death.

Question 4

The female sex hormones that control the development of female characteristics are called

Accepted Answer

Estrogens are the female sex hormones responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics, such as breast development and menstruation. Cortisols are stress hormones, NSAIDs are pain relievers, and androgens are male sex hormones.

Question 5

Compounds that have the same characteristic skeletal, four-ring structure are

Accepted Answer

Compounds with the same characteristic skeletal, four-ring structure are steroids. Sugars, proteins, and amino acids do not have this structure.

Question 6

Female birth control drugs attempt to mimic the structure and properties of

Accepted Answer

Female birth control drugs mimic the structure and properties of progesterone, which is an important hormone in controlling ovulation and the menstrual cycle. By mimicking progesterone, these drugs can prevent ovulation and reduce the chances of pregnancy. A and C are incorrect because testosterone and estrone are not directly involved in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. B is a synthetic hormone that can be used in birth control pills, but it is not the only hormone used and is usually combined with progesterone-like hormones.

Question 7

Cholesterol is an example of

Accepted Answer

Cholesterol is a type of steroid that serves as a precursor for the synthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D, but it does not have hormonal activity itself.

Question 8

The female sex hormone that is particularly important during pregnancy is

Accepted Answer

Progesterone is the female sex hormone that is particularly important during pregnancy. It helps to maintain the lining of the uterus and prevent contractions until the fetus is fully developed. Estrogen and estradiol also play a role in pregnancy, but progesterone is the main hormone responsible for maintaining pregnancy. Androgen is a male sex hormone and is not typically associated with pregnancy.

Question 9

The nitrogen mustard used in drug therapy is

Accepted Answer

Cytoxan is a trade name for cyclophosphamide, which is a type of nitrogen mustard used in chemotherapy.

Question 10

RU-486 is a drug that blocks the action of progesterone and

Accepted Answer

RU-486, also known as the "abortion pill," blocks the action of progesterone, which is necessary to maintain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can no longer continue, ultimately ending the pregnancy.

Question 11

Male sex hormones are produced in the

Accepted Answer

Male sex hormones, such as testosterone, are primarily produced in the testes.

Question 12

Which of the following types of drugs is NOT used in the treatment of high blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Sulfa drugs are not typically used in the treatment of high blood pressure. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are commonly prescribed for managing hypertension.

Question 13

A widely used anticancer drug is methotrexate. Methotrexate is a(n)

Accepted Answer

Methotrexate is classified as an antimetabolite agent, which means that it interferes with the metabolism of cancer cells by acting as a structural analog of folate. This prevents the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins and interferes with cell replication and growth, ultimately leading to cell death.

Question 14

The nitrogen mustards act by attaching ________ groups to compounds of biological importance.

Accepted Answer

The nitrogen mustards are a type of alkylating agent, meaning they attach alkyl groups (such as ethyl or methyl) to compounds of biological importance, including DNA and proteins. This can disrupt their normal function and lead to cell death.

Question 15

A class of molecules that works at very low concentrations in mediating hormonal activity has been studied and used to treat a variety of problems, including blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma. This group of compounds is known as the

Accepted Answer

The description of the molecules suggests that they are prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are a class of lipid molecules that have hormone-like effects on the body and are active at very low concentrations. They have been used to treat a variety of conditions, including hypertension, heart disease, and asthma. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are not typically used to directly mediate hormonal activity. Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating units and are not typically involved in hormone signaling.

Question 16

Which of the following statements about how ECPs and RU-486 work is most correct?

Accepted Answer

ECPs (emergency contraception pills) prevent pregnancy by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, or by preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. They can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse.

RU-486 (mifepristone) is a medication used for medical abortion. It blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue, and causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo/fetus. It is used in the first trimester of pregnancy (up to around 10 weeks) and is not effective for preventing pregnancy. Therefore, option B is the correct statement.

Question 17

Some nitrogen mustards that were originally developed as chemical warfare agents are used in the treatment of

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen mustards such as cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil were initially developed as chemical warfare agents but have been repurposed for the treatment of cancer. They work by damaging the DNA in cancer cells, ultimately leading to the death of the cell.

Question 18

The general name for the male sex hormones is

Accepted Answer

The male sex hormones are generally referred to as androgens, which includes testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione. Estrogens and progesterones are female sex hormones. Testosterones is a misspelling.

Question 19

Hormones are produced by the

Accepted Answer

Hormones are produced by specialized glands in the endocrine system, such as the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, and adrenal glands. The cardiovascular system pumps blood, the central nervous system transmits nerve impulses, and the auditory system is responsible for hearing.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a steroid?

Accepted Answer

Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid, not a steroid. Testosterone, cortisol, and methandrostenolone are all steroids.

Quiz 18: Drugs