Question

A scientist notices that a cancer cell line fails to die when he adds an inducer of apoptosis to his culture of cells. Which hypothesis could explain why the cells fail to die?

a. The cells have a mutation that prevents the initiation of apoptosis signaling.

b. The cells have lost expression of the receptor for the apoptosis-inducing ligand.

c. The cells overexpress a growth factor pathway that inhibits apoptosis.

d. All of the above.

Short answer

The correct option is d.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1. Introduction

Apoptosis refers to a programmed death of a cell in which series of molecular steps take place.

Step 2. Explanation for correct option

Option d is correct because either cell has a mutation to avoid initiation of apoptosis signaling, it lost receptor expression for apoptosis-inducing ligands, or it has overexpressed the growth factor pathway that avoids apoptosis.

Step 3. Explanation for incorrect options

Option a is incorrect because mutation, overexpression of growth factor, or loss of receptor expression for apoptosis-inducing ligand in cells might be the reason why cells are unable to die.

Option b is incorrect because mutation, overexpression of growth factor, or loss of receptor expression for apoptosis-inducing ligand in cells might be the reason why cells are unable to die.

Option c is incorrect because mutation, overexpression of growth factor, or loss of receptor expression for apoptosis-inducing ligand in cells might be the reason why cells are unable to die.