Questions: [total 10 marks] P6

a) When cells are exposed to large amounts of a DNA-damaging chemical, they died or
become cancerous (i.e. reproduce very fast and continuously). Based on what you had
learnt today, account for the death and the cancerous behaviour of the cell. (5 marks)

The cell’s DNA was probably severely damaged by the DNA-damaging chemical. If the
cell had no genetic defects, its DNA repair mechanisms should be working.
Since the cell died, this must mean that the rate of repair was not adequate to
compensate for the damage done. With the DNA damaged, the cells ability to produce
functional proteins will be compromised. This will lead to the cell not being able to
perform living functions, and hence it died.
Functional proteins (e.g. p53) needed to regulate cell-divisions may also be damaged ,
hence the cells divide uncontrollably. This is the cancerous behaviour !

b) Certain environmental pollutants (e.g. cigarette smoke) can react with DNA to cause a
bulge in the DNA. Suggest how these bulges can interfere with cell replication. (5 marks)
Ans:
DNA replication occurs prior to cell replication. During DNA replication, the enzyme DNA
polymerase will move along the old DNA strands to synthesize the new DNA strands.
Bulges on the DNA will block the movement of the DNA polymerase. The synthesis of
DNA will hence be affected (e.g. it might stop),
and this might cause the inability to the cell to divide properly.