One of the frightening developments of World War I was the introduction of chemical warfare. The nitrogen mustards were observed to inhibit cell growth, especially of bone marrow. Shortly after the war, these compounds were investigated and shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action
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Nitrogen mustards inhibit cell reproduction by binding irreversibly with the nucleic acids (DNA).
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The specific type of chemical bonding involved is alkylation.
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After alkylation, DNA is unable to replicate and therefore can no longer synthesize proteins and other essential cell metabolites.
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Consequently, cell reproduction is inhibited and the cell eventually dies from the inability to maintain its metabolic functions.