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Question #47576
The Question
In a triploblastic organism, the activation of cellular oncogenes (c-onc) in an epithelial tissue leads to the loss of contact inhibition. To metastasize and acquire a migratory, disorganized phenotype that mimics embryonic mesenchyme, the cells must disrupt their structural polarity. Which of the following events is primarily required for this architectural breakdown?
Options
- A.
Dismantling of adhering junctions, which normally perform cementing to keep neighboring cells together.
- B.
Formation of new tight junctions to prevent the leakage of oncogenic factors across the tissue layer.
- C.
Hyperactivation of gap junctions to rapidly transfer cytoplasmic secondary messengers to the underlying mesoderm.
- D.
Secretion of a new basement membrane exclusively derived from the endoderm to facilitate intravasation.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Chordata Fundamental Trio|Echinodermata Larval Symmetry|Natural Selection Directionality
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The student must synthesize Class 11 structural biology (functions of specific cell junctions) with Class 12 pathology (cancer metastasis and loss of contact inhibition).
The common misconception is treating cell junctions as static structures rather than dynamic complexes whose dismantling is the mechanical basis for the loss of contact inhibition and subsequent metastasis.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Animal Kingdom - Class 11 |
| Concept | Level of Organization vs. Germ Layers |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |