Q1. Fibroblasts placed on thin sheets of silicone rubber may exert tension and s

Question

Q1. Fibroblasts placed on thin sheets of silicone rubber may exert tension and stretch the rubber to cause wrinkles. Explain how the ability of fibroblasts to wrinkle rubber would compare with that of normal cells under the following conditions.

a) The cells are injected with large amounts of purified gelsolin

b) The cells are treated with taxol

c) The cells are treated with latrunculin A, the drug is washed out, and the cells are observed periodically.

d) The cells are treated with latrunculin A, the drug is washed out, and the cells are observed periodically.

Explanation / Answer

c) The cells are treated with latrunculin A, the drug is washed out, and the cells are observed periodically.

Latruculin A is a toxin released by sponges, which binds to the actin and inhibits the polymerization of actin. Without actin polymerization, cells cannot retain their structure or stiffness, wrinkles occur.

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