In an animal experiment, mouse proerythroblasts are cultivated in two distinct growth conditions; the first is lacking in folate, while the second (control) is enriched with folic acid. Both media contain large levels of erythropoietin. Over 48 hours, cells in the control medium proliferate and differentiate into reticulocytes, but cell proliferation is low in the folate-deficient media, with the majority of cells suffering apoptosis. In another experiment, a chemical is introduced to the folate-deficient medium that inhibits apoptosis and allows proerythroblasts to proliferate. Which of the following substances is most likely to be added to the growing medium?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Folate deficiency impairs nucleic acid synthesis, specifically the creation of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP). This causes faulty DNA synthesis, which results in increased death of hemopoietic cells and megaloblastic anemia. Thymidine supplementation works around this enzyme, reducing erythroid cell death.

In an Animal Experiment, Mouse Proerythroblasts Are Cultivated in Two