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Question #46741
The Question
Colchicine is an alkaloid that inhibits microtubule polymerization. If actively secreting fibroblasts are treated with colchicine, which of the following best describes the cascading effect on the endomembrane system and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis?
Options
- A.
Disruption of the microtubule network causes Golgi fragmentation, resulting in the secretion of misfolded or incompletely glycosylated ECM proteins.
- B.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum loses its structural integrity, directly inhibiting the translation of ECM mRNA transcripts.
- C.
The trans-Golgi network hypertrophies, leading to an overproduction and accumulation of mature ECM proteins inside the cell.
- D.
Lysosomes fuse with the plasma membrane instead of the Golgi, releasing hydrolytic enzymes that degrade the existing extracellular matrix.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Golgi Polarity|Microtubule Dynamic Instability|Protein Denaturation Specificity
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students commonly memorize Colchicine strictly as a 'mitotic poison' that arrests cell division at metaphase by destroying spindle fibers.
This question forces the application of microtubule function to interphase cells, specifically testing the NCERT concept that the endomembrane system relies on the cytoskeleton for vesicular trafficking and maintaining the structural integrity of the Golgi apparatus.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell – The Unit of Life - Class 11 |
| Concept | Golgi Polarity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |