Inhibitors of DNA synthesis –
**Core Concept**
DNA synthesis inhibitors are a class of antimetabolites that interfere with the process of DNA replication by targeting enzymes involved in nucleotide synthesis. These agents are essential in cancer chemotherapy, as they can selectively target rapidly dividing cancer cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is a type of antimetabolite that acts as a competitive inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), an enzyme crucial for the synthesis of tetrahydrofolate, a necessary cofactor for thymidylate synthase. This enzyme inhibition leads to a reduction in thymidine synthesis, ultimately impeding DNA replication. The correct answer is an important chemotherapeutic agent used to treat various types of cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it refers to a different class of chemotherapeutic agents that work by inducing DNA crosslinks, rather than inhibiting DNA synthesis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is a type of antimetabolite that targets a different enzyme involved in nucleotide synthesis, not dihydrofolate reductase.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as it is a type of antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis, not DNA synthesis.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When treating cancer with DNA synthesis inhibitors, it's essential to monitor for side effects such as megaloblastic anemia, which can be caused by the inhibition of DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing bone marrow cells.
**Correct Answer: C. Methotrexate**