Question

72. The drug colchicine depolymerizes microtubules. Name two cellular processes that colchicine would affect and how it would affect them.

Answer 1

Two cellular processes that colchicine affects:

1. Mitosis: The colchicine drug arrests mitosis at metaphase stage. At the metaphase stage, the chromosomes are replicated and lined up on the cell's equator position with the help of mitotic spindles (made up of microtubules). The drug stops the formation of mitotic spindles by inhibiting the polymerization of microtubule's tubulin-protomers.

2. Inflammatory response: The colchicine suppresses inflammation by inhibiting the migration of neutrophils to the site of inflammation. It inhibits the microtubule-based systems of neutrophils and slows down its amoeboid movement. The amoeboid movement is important for neutrophils extravasation during an inflammatory response.