Question

previous research has shown that the drug cytochalasin d has the following effects when administered to developing sea anemones: the ability of the sea anemone to form elongated epidermal cells in their tentacles was reduced dramatically (over 70%). the ability to metabolize and produce atp was not affected. the ability to synthesize proteins was not affected. based on these findings, which organelle is most likely the target of cytochalasin d in these cells? the mitochondria the nucleus the actin cytoskeleton the endoplasmic reticulum

Explanation:

1. Mitochondria are responsible for ATP - production. Since ATP - production was not affected, mitochondria are not the target.
2. The nucleus is involved in protein - synthesis regulation. Since protein - synthesis was not affected, the nucleus is not the target.
3. The endoplasmic reticulum is also related to protein - synthesis and lipid - metabolism. Since protein - synthesis was not affected, the endoplasmic reticulum is not likely the target.
4. Actin cytoskeleton is important for cell shape and elongation. The dramatic reduction in the ability to form elongated epidermal cells suggests that the actin cytoskeleton is the target of cytochalasin D.

Answer:

the actin cytoskeleton