Scientists used cells called fibroblasts to study factors that cause nondividing cells in the G0 stage of the cell cycle to reen
ter the cell cycle and undergo mitosis. In a laboratory, fibroblasts typically grow and divide when they are cultured in a growth medium that contains 10% serum (the liquid part of blood that remains after blood clots). If fibroblasts are cultured for 48 hours in the absence of serum (serum-starvation), they stop dividing and enter the G0 stage of the cell cycle.
The scientists divided serum-starved fibroblasts into groups to which they added no serum, 10% serum, or 0.1% serum. Each of the groups with 0.1% serum was also treated to block the production of only one or combinations of four proteins (p16, p18, p21, and p27) that are inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases. The scientists grew the fibroblasts for 48 hours and then measured the amount of DNA replication taking place to determine whether the cells had reentered the cell cycle. The scientists compared each group of cells to the group cultured with 10% serum and plotted the data (Figure 1).
Figure 1. DNA replication by treated fibroblasts relative to DNA replication by fibroblasts cultured with 10% serum. The treatment of each group of cells is shown in the table directly under the graph. + means the protein is present; − means the protein is absent.
(a) Based on the data for the groups of cells cultured with 0.1% serum (groups 3 to 7), identify which of the four proteins tested do(does) not appear to play a role in blocking cell cycle entry by fibroblasts.
(b) Based on the data for the groups of cells cultured with 0.1% serum (groups 3 to 7), identify the groups(s) most likely to include cells undergoing mitosis.
(c) Neurons (nerve cells) of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are in G0 of the cell cycle and generally do not divide in response to an injury. The scientists predict that they can use the data from this experiment to help them treat individuals who suffer from spinal cord injuries. Provide reasoning to support the scientists’ prediction.
The scientists divided serum-starved fibroblasts into groups to which they added no serum, 10% serum, or 0.1% serum. Each of the groups with 0.1% serum was also treated to block the production of only one or combinations of four proteins (p16, p18, p21, and p27) that are inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases. The scientists grew the fibroblasts for 48 hours and then measured the amount of DNA replication taking place to determine whether the cells had reentered the cell cycle. The scientists compared each group of cells to the group cultured with 10% serum and plotted the data (Figure 1).
Figure 1. DNA replication by treated fibroblasts relative to DNA replication by fibroblasts cultured with 10% serum. The treatment of each group of cells is shown in the table directly under the graph. + means the protein is present; − means the protein is absent.
(a) Based on the data for the groups of cells cultured with 0.1% serum (groups 3 to 7), identify which of the four proteins tested do(does) not appear to play a role in blocking cell cycle entry by fibroblasts.
(b) Based on the data for the groups of cells cultured with 0.1% serum (groups 3 to 7), identify the groups(s) most likely to include cells undergoing mitosis.
(c) Neurons (nerve cells) of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) are in G0 of the cell cycle and generally do not divide in response to an injury. The scientists predict that they can use the data from this experiment to help them treat individuals who suffer from spinal cord injuries. Provide reasoning to support the scientists’ prediction.
1 answer:
Answer:
a)
Based on observations from the cell groups, the protein p16 seems to have no significant role in preventing fibroblasts from entering the cell cycle. This finding is illustrated in group 7, where the DNA replication rate is nearly as high as that in the 10% serum condition, despite the presence of p16 alone.
In other groups (3 to 6), any additional proteins have always resulted in reduced DNA replication compared to fibroblasts cultured in 10% serum.
b)
Groups 4 to 7 demonstrate a higher likelihood of containing cells that are dividing, as evidenced by their increased DNA replication rates relative to group 1, which has 0% serum. This group, having been cultured for 48 hours without serum (serum-starvation), halts division and transitions into the G0 phase of the cell cycle.
c)
This data is pivotal in identifying which proteins trigger cellular entry into the cycle. For healing post-injury, cellular division and repair are crucial, which can be stimulated by the appropriate protein. Additionally, it will clarify which proteins hinder cell cycle entry.
Note: Figure is attached for reference
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