Some of the drugs used to treat cancer block mitosis. Taxol is a drug commonly used in the treatment of breast and ovarian cancers. It works by disrupting the function of microtubules and spindle fibers. Cells treated with this drug have spindle fibers that are ‘stuck’ in place, unable to pull chromosomes apart.

(1.)Which phase of mitosis would you think that Taxol would affect the most?
(2.) Why do you think it affects that phase the most?
(3.) What are some possible problems that a person taking Taxol might have?
(4.) What would be happening to the normal cells trying to perform mitosis if a person is taking Taxol? (Hint: Remember that normal cells undergo mitosis too!)