[Campbell Biology P.154] The passage mentions that 'the proliferation of smooth ER in respon... | Practice Question

The passage mentions that 'the proliferation of smooth ER in response to one drug can increase the need for higher dosages of other drugs as well.' Based on this, what is the most likely reason for this phenomenon?

  • A: Smooth ER produces more ribosomes, leading to increased protein synthesis and drug resistance.
  • B: The increased smooth ER volume provides more surface area for the storage of drugs, thus reducing their immediate effect.
  • C: Proliferation of smooth ER leads to an increased amount of detoxification enzymes, which can then break down a wider variety of drugs more rapidly.
  • D: Smooth ER enhances the transport of drugs out of the cell, making higher dosages necessary to maintain effectiveness.

Explanation

The passage explicitly states that 'the proliferation of smooth ER in response to one drug can increase the need for higher dosages of other drugs as well. Barbiturate abuse, for instance, can decrease the effectiveness of certain antibiotics and other useful drugs.' This implies that smooth ER's role in detoxification means that an increase in its activity due to proliferation leads to faster breakdown of various drugs, thus requiring higher doses for the same effect.