Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Testq

What do antimetabolites disrupt in the chemotherapy process?

1. Cell mitosis

2. DNA transcription

3. RNA and protein synthesis

4. Cellular oxygen levels

The correct answer is: DNA transcription

Antimetabolites are a class of chemotherapy drugs that primarily interfere with the metabolic processes of cells, particularly during the S phase of the cell cycle, where DNA synthesis occurs. By mimicking the natural substrates involved in DNA and RNA synthesis, antimetabolites disrupt the normal function of nucleic acids, specifically through the inhibition of enzymes necessary for DNA replication. This action ultimately affects DNA transcription as the correct building blocks needed for synthesizing nucleic acids cannot be properly incorporated. In the context of cancer therapy, the goal is to prevent cancer cells from proliferating by hindering their ability to replicate genetic material. Since transcription of DNA into RNA is a critical step prior to protein synthesis, antimetabolites indirectly have an impact on protein production but their primary role is centered around the disruption of DNA transcription.