UPSC Exam  >  UPSC Questions  >   What is the primary significance of cordycep... Start Learning for Free
What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?
  • a)
    Enhancing energy levels
  • b)
    Supporting the immune system
  • c)
    Inhibiting cancer cell proliferation
  • d)
    Providing anti-inflammatory effects
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced b...
Cordycepin, a compound generated by the caterpillar fungus, has been identified as a potentially effective agent in hindering cancer cell proliferation. This compound disrupts the signals responsible for overactive cell growth in cancer cells, thereby impeding their rapid multiplication. This discovery opens up a promising avenue for targeted cancer therapies, potentially causing less harm to healthy tissues compared to conventional cancer treatment methods.
Free Test
Community Answer
What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced b...
Significance of Cordycepin in Cancer Treatment
Cordycepin, a compound derived from the caterpillar fungus, has gained attention in the field of cancer research for its potential to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. This property makes it a significant focus for therapeutic development.
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibition of Cell Growth: Cordycepin has been shown to interfere with the processes that allow cancer cells to grow and multiply. It affects the synthesis of RNA, leading to a disruption in the expression of genes that are critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation.
- Induction of Apoptosis: This compound promotes programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells. By triggering apoptosis, cordycepin helps eliminate cells that are no longer needed or those that have the potential to become malignant.
Research Findings
- In vitro Studies: Laboratory studies have demonstrated that cordycepin can significantly reduce the viability of various cancer cell lines, including those from breast, lung, and colon cancers.
- Animal Studies: Research using animal models has shown that cordycepin can inhibit tumor growth, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.
Conclusion
The primary significance of cordycepin in relation to cancer cells lies in its ability to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. By targeting crucial biological processes within cancer cells, cordycepin offers a promising avenue for developing new cancer therapies. Continued research is essential to fully understand its mechanisms and potential applications in clinical settings.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Similar UPSC Doubts

Top Courses for UPSC

What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What is the primary significance of cordycepin, a compound produced by the caterpillar fungus, in relation to cancer cells?a)Enhancing energy levelsb)Supporting the immune systemc)Inhibiting cancer cell proliferationd)Providing anti-inflammatory effectsCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
Explore Courses for UPSC exam

Top Courses for UPSC

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev