Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment
What is the primary action of platinum-based chemotherapy compounds?
Inhibit microtubule function
Cross link DNA
Block coiling and uncoiling of DNA
Inhibit pyrimidine synthesis
The correct answer is: Cross link DNA
Platinum-based chemotherapy compounds, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, work by binding to the DNA strands in cancer cells and forming cross-links between the strands. This prevents the cancer cells from being able to divide and grow, ultimately leading to their death. Option A is incorrect because microtubules are not directly involved in the mechanism of platinum-based chemotherapy. Option C is incorrect because it describes the action of topoisomerase inhibitors, not platinum-based compounds. Option D is incorrect because it describes the action of antimetabolites, not platinum-based compounds.