As a Researcher, You Are Charged with Determining the Side

question 22

Essay

As a researcher, you are charged with determining the side effects of a new drug. From previous observations, you suspect that this drug reduces the rate of DNA production (replication) within skin cells of patients using the drug. With the following materials, design an experiment that would answer your questions about the effect of the drug on DNA production. You know that: DNA contains phosphate groups. You have: radioactive isotopes of phosphate (32P), skin cell cultures from various patients, the drug in question, and a device that measures radioactivity.

---

Definitions:

Leukemia

A type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.

Sigmoidoscopy

A medical examination of the sigmoid colon by means of a flexible tube inserted through the anus to check for cancer, polyps, and other anomalies.

Gastroscopy

A diagnostic procedure that involves using a gastroscope to visually examine the interior of the stomach.

Colonoscopy

A medical procedure using a camera to examine the interior lining of the colon and rectum.