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Question #46762
The Question
Colchicine is a potent alkaloid that severely disrupts cytoskeletal dynamics. If a culture of actively dividing, ciliated eukaryotic cells is exposed to colchicine, which of the following statements regarding its physiological impact is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
It induces polyploidy by preventing the assembly of the mitotic spindle, thereby arresting the cell cycle at metaphase.
- B.
It directly binds to and inhibits the ATPase activity of axonemal dynein, preventing the sliding of microtubule doublets.
- C.
It prevents the polymerization of alpha and beta-tubulin dimers, compromising the 9+2 structural integrity of newly forming cilia.
- D.
The failure of sister chromatid separation occurs because kinetochore microtubules cannot properly assemble and exert tension.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Cilia and Flagella Ultrastructure|Equational Division Logic|Colchicine
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Distinguishing between the structural framework (microtubules/tubulin) and the motor proteins (dynein).
Students often fall for the 'Functional Confusion' trap, assuming that because ciliary movement is paralyzed, the motor protein itself (dynein ATPase) is chemically inhibited by the drug, rather than recognizing that the structural track (tubulin) has been destroyed.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell – The Unit of Life - Class 11 |
| Concept | Cilia and Flagella Ultrastructure |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |