Cancer often results from a multistage process involving an initiating event (mediated by a viral infection or a carcinogenic chemical), followed by exposure to tumor promoters. Tumor promoters, a group of molecules that stimulate cell proliferation, cannot induce tumor formation by themselves. The phorbol esters, found in croton oil (obtained from the seeds of the croton plant, Croton tiglium), are potent tumor promoters. (Other examples of tumor promoters include asbestos and several components of tobacco smoke.) In one of the tumor-promoting actions of the phorbol esters, these molecules mimic the actions of DAG. In contrast to DAG, the phorbol esters are not easily disposed of. Explain the possible biochemical consequences of phorbol esters in an “initiated” cell. What enzyme is activated by both DAG and phorbol esters?

Biochemistry
9th Edition
ISBN:9781319114671
Author:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Chapter1: Biochemistry: An Evolving Science
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1P
icon
Related questions
Question

Cancer often results from a multistage process involving an initiating event (mediated by a viral
infection or a carcinogenic chemical), followed by exposure to tumor promoters. Tumor
promoters, a group of molecules that stimulate cell proliferation, cannot induce tumor formation
by themselves. The phorbol esters, found in croton oil (obtained from the seeds of the croton
plant, Croton tiglium), are potent tumor promoters. (Other examples of tumor promoters include
asbestos and several components of tobacco smoke.) In one of the tumor-promoting actions of
the phorbol esters, these molecules mimic the actions of DAG. In contrast to DAG, the phorbol
esters are not easily disposed of. Explain the possible biochemical consequences of phorbol
esters in an “initiated” cell. What enzyme is activated by both DAG and phorbol esters?

Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Mutation
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biochemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781319114671
Author:
Lubert Stryer, Jeremy M. Berg, John L. Tymoczko, Gregory J. Gatto Jr.
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781464126116
Author:
David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Publisher:
W. H. Freeman
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Fundamentals of Biochemistry: Life at the Molecul…
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781118918401
Author:
Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet, Charlotte W. Pratt
Publisher:
WILEY
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305961135
Author:
Mary K. Campbell, Shawn O. Farrell, Owen M. McDougal
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9781305577206
Author:
Reginald H. Garrett, Charles M. Grisham
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Fundamentals of General, Organic, and Biological …
Biochemistry
ISBN:
9780134015187
Author:
John E. McMurry, David S. Ballantine, Carl A. Hoeger, Virginia E. Peterson
Publisher:
PEARSON