Chemotherapy drugs:

Question 1

Anthracycline antibiotics (doxorubicin)

Answer 1

intercalates between spaces of DNA base pairs, interfering with transcription. Binds to topoisomerase 2 to form a complex which is unable to function, thus triggering apoptosis. Binds to iron to produce free radicals and triggers apoptosis.

Question 2

Bleomycin

Answer 2

bind to iron to produce free radicals, that result in the scission of DNA strands.

Question 3

Alkylating agents and platins (cisplatin)

Answer 3

contain leaving groups which detach to leave a Pt group, this can covalently bond to nucleophilic groups on DNA bases.

Question 4

Methotrexate

Answer 4

inhibits DHFR which converts folate to purines and thymidylate.

Question 5

5-flurouracil

Answer 5

converted to FDUMP which competes with DUMP to irreversibly inhibit thymidylate synthase.

Question 6

Vinca alkaloids (vincristine)

Answer 6

binds to beta-tubulin protein, inhibiting it from polymerising, therefore cell arrests in mitotic metaphase and undergoes apoptosis.

Question 7

Taxanes (paclitaxel)

Answer 7

binds at a separate site on the beta-tubulin sub unit, cell arrests in metaphase and undergoes apoptosis.