Azides and cyanide inhibit

Options

A. Metaphase
B. Prophase
C. Anaphase
D. Telophase

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks which phase of the cell cycle is inhibited by azides and cyanide. The options provided are metaphase, prophase, anaphase, and telophase.

2. **Analyzing Each Phase**:
- **Metaphase**: This phase is characterized by the alignment of chromosomes at the cell's equatorial plane. It is known to be inhibited by colchicine, which prevents spindle formation. Therefore, azides and cyanide do not inhibit metaphase.

- **Prophase**: This is the phase where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down. According to the information, both azide and cyanide inhibit this phase. Cyanide specifically inhibits ATP synthesis and protein translation, which are crucial for cell division processes during prophase.

- **Anaphase**: This phase involves the separation of sister chromatids and their movement toward opposite poles of the cell. It is inhibited by taxol, not by azides or cyanide.

- **Telophase**: This is the final stage of cell division where the chromosomes de-condense, and the nuclear envelope re-forms. It is inhibited by cytochalasins, which means azides and cyanide do not inhibit telophase.

3. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the correct answer is that azides and cyanide inhibit **prophase**.

**Final Answer**: Azides and cyanide inhibit prophase.

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