2) (1 pts) The molecule dTTP is required ONLY for DNA synthesis, and inhibitors

Question

2) (1 pts) The molecule dTTP is required ONLY for DNA synthesis, and inhibitors for the enzymes that produce dTTP have been used as anti-cancer agents. When do cells need to make new DNA, and why would preventing DNA production be a good idea for a cancer therapy? 3) The diagram below shows a DNA replication bubble in a salmon cell. The circles indicate the origin of replication. The four letters (A, B, C, D) show where new DNA strands are being synthesized 5' 3' a. For each of the four letters, indicate whether the DNA being made there is b. Draw one leading strand on the diagram, indicating the RNA primer, 5' and 3' ends 1pt c. If you add a chemical that inhibits the enzyme DNA ligase, which strand(s) (A, B, C, D) would be a leading strand or a lagging strand. 1pt 1pt most affected? Why?

Explanation / Answer

1) Cells make new DNA when ever a cell divides. New cancer cells are produced, when DNA from the cancer cells replicate. Inhibiting the enzymes that produce Deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) which is used during DNA synthesis, will prevent further proliferation of cancer cells.

In normal cells, when a mutation occurs in a DNA, it is corrected by repair mechanisms and if it is too complex to correct, the cell is killed through apoptosis. But with cancer cells, apoptosis does not take place and the mutation is passed on to its daughter cells and hence the uncontrolled growth. By inhibiting DNA synthesis, proliferation of the cancer cells could be stopped.

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