NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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What is the primary action of platinum-based chemotherapy compounds?

  1. Inhibit microtubule function

  2. Cross link DNA

  3. Block coiling and uncoiling of DNA

  4. 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.