Why are taxol,vinblastine and other drugs like them used as chemotherapy agents?
A)They preferentially kill tumor cells.
B)They preferentially stabilize tumor cells.
C)They disrupt tumor cell membranes.
D)They prevent the entry of cells into the first stage of meiosis.
E)They inhibit mitochondria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Taxol and vinblastine are chemotherapy agents known as microtubule stabilizers or disrupters. They preferentially kill tumor cells by interfering with microtubule dynamics, which are essential for cell division. These drugs bind to tubulin, causing the microtubules to become stabilized or unstable, leading to cell death. Since cancer cells divide more rapidly than most normal cells, they are more sensitive to this type of chemotherapy.

Why Are Taxol,vinblastine and Other Drugs Like Them Used as Chemotherapy