Autophagy, also known as autophagocytosis, is a selfdegradative proces

Autophagy, also known as autophagocytosis, is a self-degradative process necessary for cell maintenance and defense. Based on the Greek roots meaning “self” and “eating,” the word defines a process whereby eukaryotic cells digest their own parts either as part of a normal physiological process or in the presence of stressors, such as deprivation of nutrients. While anabolic processes build structures, catabolic processes that break down molecules and structures are at work, primarily by means of lysosomes, in autophagy.

Scientists have long explored the relationship between autophagy and disease. Among more recent findings is the occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities, associated with tumorigenesis, as a result of the inhibition of autophagy. Other researchers have studied how key proteins interact during autophagy to design drugs for cancer and other age-related diseases. Most recently, scientists have concluded that autophagy is a method of cell survival during cancer treatment. By means of autophagy, cells put themselves in a state of quiescence that allows them to escape treatment and eventually become more resistant. This has led scientists to posit that blocking prolactin, known to promote the growth of certain cancers, and its receptors will prolong autophagy and result in cancer cell death.

1. It can be inferred from the passage that the process of autophagy

(A) is dependent on lysosomes for the anabolic breakdown of molecules.
(B) results in chromosomal abnormalities that cause cancer tumors.
(C) makes cells more resistant to treatment in the absence of certain binding proteins.
(D) is regulated by prolactin in the growth of certain cancers.
(E) occurs in response to normal and abnormal conditions.


2. Autophagy plays a role in tumor suppression. Which of the following provides the most reasonable evidence for the unstated conclusion that autophagy also plays a role in tumor progression?

(A) Autophagy allows cells to survive by means of self-digestion during cancer treatment.
(B) During autophagy, key proteins respond to stressors to ensure basic survival.
(C) Experiments in autophagy inhibition are a promising avenue for potential cancer treatment.
(D) The binding of prolactin to a cell membrane receptor activates cell signaling involved in cancer cell growth.
(E) During autophagy, lysosomes dissolve the molecules that make up tumors.


3. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?

(A) Autophagy is a normal, ongoing, metabolic cell process.
(B) Manipulation of the process of autophagy may yield breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
(C) As a result of quiescence brought on by autophagy, abnormal cells escape certain targeted therapies.
(D) Understanding of the process of autophagy is the key to treating cancer and other age-related diseases.
(E) Autophagy is a normal, ongoing, catabolic cell process.