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Bryostatin Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Bryostatin 1: Properties, Discovery, and Biosynthesis

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Bryostatin 1: Properties, Discovery, and Biosynthesis Study Guide

Chemical Characterization and Identification

Bryostatin 1's chemical formula is C47H68O17.

Answer: True

Explanation: The chemical formula for Bryostatin 1 is indeed C47H68O17, indicating the precise number of atoms of each element present in a molecule of Bryostatin 1.

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The CAS Registry Number assigned to Bryostatin 1 is 83314-01-6.

Answer: True

Explanation: The CAS Registry Number 83314-01-6 serves as a unique numerical identifier for Bryostatin 1, facilitating its unambiguous identification in scientific literature and databases.

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Bryostatin 1 contains 47 oxygen atoms in its chemical formula.

Answer: False

Explanation: The chemical formula for Bryostatin 1 is C47H68O17, which indicates the presence of 17 oxygen atoms, not 47.

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The molar mass of Bryostatin 1 is approximately 905.044 grams per mole.

Answer: True

Explanation: The calculated molar mass for Bryostatin 1, based on its chemical formula, is approximately 905.044 g/mol, representing the mass of one mole of the substance.

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Properties listed for Bryostatin 1 are assumed valid at standard temperature and pressure (STP).

Answer: False

Explanation: The properties listed are typically assumed valid under standard state conditions, defined as 25 degrees Celsius and 100 kPa, not necessarily STP (0 degrees Celsius and 100 kPa).

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Bryostatins are classified as a type of alkaloid.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bryostatins are classified as macrolide lactones, not alkaloids. This classification reflects their distinct chemical structure, characterized by a large macrocyclic lactone ring.

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A 'macrolide lactone' is characterized by a small ring structure and a ketone group.

Answer: False

Explanation: A macrolide lactone is characterized by a large macrocyclic ring structure containing a lactone (cyclic ester) functional group, not necessarily a small ring or exclusively a ketone group.

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Bryostatins are macrocyclic compounds containing a lactone ring.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definition of macrolide lactones, which includes bryostatins, specifies a large macrocyclic ring structure incorporating a lactone functional group (a cyclic ester).

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In what year was the complete chemical structure of Bryostatin 1 elucidated?

Answer: 1982

Explanation: The complete chemical structure of Bryostatin 1 was determined and elucidated in the year 1982.

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What is the approximate molar mass of Bryostatin 1?

Answer: 905.04 g/mol

Explanation: The molar mass of Bryostatin 1 is approximately 905.044 grams per mole, a fundamental property derived from its chemical formula.

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The chemical formula C47H68O17 represents which characteristic of Bryostatin 1?

Answer: Its chemical formula

Explanation: The notation C47H68O17 precisely denotes the chemical formula of Bryostatin 1, indicating the number of atoms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in each molecule.

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What does the term 'macrolide lactone' imply about bryostatin's structure?

Answer: It features a large ring with an ester linkage.

Explanation: The classification 'macrolide lactone' signifies that bryostatins possess a large macrocyclic ring structure that incorporates a lactone functional group, which is a cyclic ester.

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What is the unique identifier assigned to Bryostatin 1 in the CAS Registry?

Answer: 83314-01-6

Explanation: The Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry assigns the unique identifier 83314-01-6 to Bryostatin 1.

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Which of the following best describes the chemical classification of bryostatins?

Answer: Macrolide lactones

Explanation: Bryostatins are chemically classified as macrolide lactones, characterized by a large macrocyclic ring structure containing a lactone functional group.

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Natural Origin and Discovery

The marine organism *Bugula neritina* is the source of bryostatins.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bryostatins are naturally derived from the marine bryozoan species *Bugula neritina*, where they are produced by symbiotic bacteria.

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Jack Rudloe was the lead scientist at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) responsible for the anticancer drug discovery group that studied bryostatins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Jack Rudloe was instrumental in collecting the initial samples of *Bugula neritina*. The lead scientist at the NCI responsible for the anticancer drug discovery group was Jack L. Hartwell.

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George Pettit is credited with the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1 from *Bugula neritina*.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Pettit is credited with the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1, a process that originated from research on samples collected by Jack Rudloe and studied by Jack L. Hartwell's group at the NCI.

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The historical research into bryostatins began in the 1980s.

Answer: False

Explanation: Historical research into bryostatins began earlier, in the 1960s, when samples of *Bugula neritina* were collected for anticancer drug discovery at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

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The chemical structure of Bryostatin 1 was determined after its potential therapeutic applications were fully established.

Answer: False

Explanation: The chemical structure of Bryostatin 1 was determined in 1982. While preclinical studies suggested therapeutic potential, the full establishment of its applications occurred over time, with structure determination being a foundational step.

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As of 2010, only about 5 different types of bryostatins had been identified.

Answer: False

Explanation: As of 2010, approximately 20 different bryostatins had been isolated, indicating a family of related compounds rather than just a few.

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What is the significance of the *Bugula neritina* organism in bryostatin research?

Answer: It is the natural source from which bryostatins are derived.

Explanation: The marine bryozoan *Bugula neritina* holds significance as the natural source organism from which bryostatins are derived, produced by its associated bacterial symbionts.

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Who is credited with the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1?

Answer: George Pettit

Explanation: George Pettit is recognized for the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1 from the marine bryozoan *Bugula neritina*.

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Who played a key role in collecting the initial *Bugula neritina* samples used for bryostatin research?

Answer: Jack Rudloe

Explanation: Jack Rudloe was instrumental in collecting the initial samples of *Bugula neritina*, which were subsequently utilized in anticancer drug discovery research that led to the identification of bryostatins.

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From which marine organism are bryostatins naturally derived?

Answer: The bryozoan *Bugula neritina*

Explanation: Bryostatins are naturally derived from the marine bryozoan species *Bugula neritina*.

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Who played a key role in collecting the initial *Bugula neritina* samples used for bryostatin research?

Answer: Jack Rudloe

Explanation: Jack Rudloe was instrumental in collecting the initial samples of *Bugula neritina*, which were subsequently utilized in anticancer drug discovery research that led to the identification of bryostatins.

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Who is credited with the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1?

Answer: George Pettit

Explanation: George Pettit is recognized for the initial isolation of Bryostatin 1 from the marine bryozoan *Bugula neritina*.

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Biological Activity and Therapeutic Exploration

Protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes are involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Protein kinase C (PKC) enzymes are critical regulators of intracellular signal transduction pathways, playing significant roles in diverse cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and immune responses.

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Bryostatins primarily function by inhibiting DNA replication.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bryostatins primarily function as modulators of protein kinase C (PKC), a key enzyme in signal transduction pathways, rather than directly inhibiting DNA replication.

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Bryostatin 1 has been investigated for potential use in treating cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: Bryostatin 1 has undergone investigation in clinical trials for its potential therapeutic applications across several significant medical conditions, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease.

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Bryostatin 1 was successfully approved for widespread cancer treatment following clinical trials.

Answer: False

Explanation: Despite extensive clinical trials for cancer treatment, Bryostatin 1 did not demonstrate a sufficiently favorable risk-to-benefit ratio, and consequently, it was not approved for widespread cancer treatment.

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A Phase II clinical trial for bryostatin in Alzheimer's disease was initiated around 2010 based on promising animal model results.

Answer: True

Explanation: Promising results observed in animal models of Alzheimer's disease led to the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial for bryostatin around 2010.

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The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsored the initial Phase II clinical trial for bryostatin in Alzheimer's disease.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial Phase II clinical trial investigating bryostatin for Alzheimer's disease was sponsored by the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, not the NCI.

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Neurotrope, a company founded by researchers from the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, focuses on developing bryostatin for Alzheimer's disease.

Answer: True

Explanation: Neurotrope was established by researchers affiliated with the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute with the specific aim of developing bryostatin for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

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Preliminary results from bryostatin's Alzheimer's disease clinical trial were released in 2017.

Answer: True

Explanation: Preliminary findings from a clinical trial involving bryostatin in patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease were made public in the year 2017.

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Bryostatins were studied as potential treatments for HIV.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research has explored the potential of bryostatins as therapeutic agents for individuals affected by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), investigating their effects in the context of this infection.

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The term 'modulator' implies bryostatins exclusively inhibit protein kinase C activity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'modulator' suggests that bryostatins can influence protein kinase C (PKC) activity in various ways, not exclusively through inhibition. This influence can encompass activation, alteration of function, or changes in cellular localization.

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Bryostatin failing to show a favorable risk:benefit ratio in cancer trials means it was highly effective but too toxic.

Answer: True

Explanation: A failure to demonstrate a favorable risk:benefit ratio in clinical trials implies that the observed adverse effects, toxicity, or side effects were deemed too significant in relation to the therapeutic benefits achieved, thus preventing further development.

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What is the primary biological target modulated by bryostatins?

Answer: Protein Kinase C (PKC)

Explanation: Bryostatins are recognized as potent modulators of Protein Kinase C (PKC) enzymes, which are central to numerous cellular signaling pathways.

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Which of the following conditions has NOT been a primary focus of clinical trials for bryostatin?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis

Explanation: Clinical trials have primarily investigated bryostatin for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis has not been identified as a primary focus of these investigations.

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What was the main reason bryostatin development for cancer treatment was halted?

Answer: An unfavorable risk-to-benefit ratio in clinical trials.

Explanation: Despite demonstrating activity, bryostatin's development for cancer treatment was halted due to an unfavorable risk-to-benefit ratio observed during clinical trials, indicating that the potential harms outweighed the benefits.

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Which institute initially sponsored the Phase II clinical trial investigating bryostatin for Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute

Explanation: The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute was the initial sponsor of the Phase II clinical trial that explored bryostatin's potential efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease.

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What does the term 'modulator' suggest about bryostatin's interaction with Protein Kinase C (PKC)?

Answer: It can influence PKC activity in various ways.

Explanation: The term 'modulator' indicates that bryostatins can influence Protein Kinase C (PKC) activity through diverse mechanisms, potentially including activation, inhibition, or alteration of its function and interactions within the cell.

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What is the primary biological target modulated by bryostatins?

Answer: Protein Kinase C (PKC)

Explanation: Bryostatins are recognized as potent modulators of Protein Kinase C (PKC) enzymes, which are central to numerous cellular signaling pathways.

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Which of the following conditions has NOT been a primary focus of clinical trials for bryostatin?

Answer: Rheumatoid arthritis

Explanation: Clinical trials have primarily investigated bryostatin for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease. Rheumatoid arthritis has not been identified as a primary focus of these investigations.

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What was the main reason bryostatin development for cancer treatment was halted?

Answer: An unfavorable risk-to-benefit ratio in clinical trials.

Explanation: Despite demonstrating activity, bryostatin's development for cancer treatment was halted due to an unfavorable risk-to-benefit ratio observed during clinical trials, indicating that the potential harms outweighed the benefits.

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Which institute initially sponsored the Phase II clinical trial investigating bryostatin for Alzheimer's disease?

Answer: The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute

Explanation: The Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute was the initial sponsor of the Phase II clinical trial that explored bryostatin's potential efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease.

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Synthetic Challenges and Production

Extracting bryostatins from *Bugula neritina* is unviable for large-scale production due to the organism's abundance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary obstacle to large-scale production via extraction is not the organism's abundance, but rather the extremely low concentration of bryostatins within the organism, requiring vast quantities of biomass for minimal yield.

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The total synthesis of bryostatins is considered straightforward due to their simple molecular structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The total synthesis of bryostatins is considered a highly challenging endeavor due to their significant molecular complexity, requiring advanced and multi-step synthetic strategies.

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Total syntheses have been reported for Bryostatins 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 16.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scientific literature reports successful total syntheses for several bryostatins, including Bryostatins 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 16, demonstrating significant progress in synthetic chemistry.

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The Wender group's synthesis of Bryostatin 1 is noted for its exceptional length and complexity.

Answer: False

Explanation: Conversely, the total synthesis of Bryostatin 1 reported by the Wender group is noted as being the shortest reported synthesis for any bryostatin, signifying an advancement in synthetic efficiency.

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Synthetic analogs of bryostatins are being explored as a practical alternative to natural extraction or total synthesis.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of structurally simpler synthetic analogs is pursued as a practical strategy to ensure a more feasible supply of bryostatin-like compounds, potentially overcoming limitations of natural extraction and complex total synthesis.

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The extremely low concentration of bryostatins in *Bugula neritina* is the main obstacle to large-scale production via extraction.

Answer: True

Explanation: The primary challenge preventing large-scale production through extraction is the exceedingly low concentration of bryostatins within the *Bugula neritina* organism, necessitating impractical quantities of biomass.

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Reporting total syntheses of bryostatins is significant because it confirms their simple structure.

Answer: False

Explanation: Reporting total syntheses is significant because it demonstrates the feasibility of chemically constructing these highly complex molecules, not because it confirms a simple structure.

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Why has the total synthesis of bryostatins been a significant challenge for chemists?

Answer: Their molecular structure is highly complex.

Explanation: The intricate and complex molecular architecture of bryostatins presents a substantial challenge for chemists attempting total synthesis, requiring sophisticated multi-step methodologies.

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Which of the following bryostatins has NOT had its total synthesis reported according to the source?

Answer: Bryostatin 10

Explanation: The source indicates that total syntheses have been reported for Bryostatins 1, 2, 3, 7, 9, and 16. Bryostatin 10 is not listed among those for which total synthesis has been reported.

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What alternative strategy is being pursued to ensure a practical supply of bryostatins?

Answer: Preparing structurally simpler synthetic analogs.

Explanation: The preparation of structurally simpler synthetic analogs is being explored as a practical alternative, aiming to replicate the biological activity of natural bryostatins with potentially greater synthetic accessibility.

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What is the major obstacle preventing large-scale production of bryostatins by extraction from *Bugula neritina*?

Answer: The concentration of bryostatins in the organism is extremely low.

Explanation: The primary challenge preventing large-scale production through extraction is the exceedingly low concentration of bryostatins within the *Bugula neritina* organism, requiring vast quantities of biomass for minimal yield.

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Why was the development of synthetic analogs considered a practical approach for bryostatin supply?

Answer: They are simpler to synthesize than the natural compounds and aim to retain biological activity.

Explanation: The development of structurally simpler synthetic analogs is pursued as a practical strategy to ensure a more feasible supply of bryostatin-like compounds, potentially overcoming limitations of natural extraction and complex total synthesis.

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Biosynthetic Mechanisms

Acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) are primarily involved in transporting genetic information.

Answer: False

Explanation: Acyl carrier proteins (ACPs) are crucial components in biosynthetic pathways, primarily serving to carry and transfer acyl groups during the synthesis of fatty acids and polyketides, not genetic information.

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Bryostatin biosynthesis is carried out by a type II polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster.

Answer: False

Explanation: Bryostatin biosynthesis is carried out by a type I polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster, specifically designated as 'bry', not a type II PKS cluster.

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BryR, an enzyme in the bryostatin pathway, catalyzes the final cyclization step.

Answer: False

Explanation: BryR catalyzes the beta-branching step, which involves an aldol reaction. The final cyclization step is catalyzed by enzymes BryC and BryD.

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BryR catalyzes an aldol reaction between different molecular components during the beta-branching step.

Answer: True

Explanation: The enzyme BryR is responsible for catalyzing the beta-branching step in the bryostatin pathway through an aldol reaction involving specific molecular components.

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BryT performs a dehydration step, BryA performs O-methylation, and BryB isomerizes double bonds in the bryostatin pathway.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following the beta-branching step, BryT functions in dehydration, BryA in O-methylation, and BryB in double bond isomerization, contributing to the formation of the characteristic vinyl methylester moieties.

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BryC and BryD are responsible for the initial loading of malonyl units onto ACPs.

Answer: False

Explanation: BryC and BryD are involved in later stages of the pathway, specifically molecular extension, pyran ring closure, and final cyclization. The initial loading of malonyl units onto ACPs involves other components like BryU.

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BryR shows specificity for substrates bound to Coenzyme A (CoA) in the bryostatin pathway.

Answer: False

Explanation: BryR exhibits specificity for protein-bound Acyl Carrier Proteins (ACPs), particularly after ACP-d is converted to its holo form. This contrasts with typical primary metabolism homologs that act on Coenzyme A (CoA)-bound substrates.

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The image titled 'B. Neritina biosynthetic pathway for bryostatins' illustrates the sequence of reactions for producing bryostatins.

Answer: True

Explanation: The referenced image visually represents the sequence of enzymatic reactions and molecular transformations involved in the natural biosynthesis of bryostatins within the organism *Bugula neritina*.

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BryR, a homolog of HMG-CoA synthase, acts on substrates bound to Coenzyme A.

Answer: False

Explanation: While BryR is a homolog of HMG-CoA synthase, it specifically acts on substrates bound to Acyl Carrier Proteins (ACPs) within the bryostatin pathway, not substrates bound to Coenzyme A (CoA).

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A 'polyketide synthase' (PKS) cluster encodes enzymes for synthesizing fatty acids.

Answer: False

Explanation: Polyketide synthase (PKS) clusters encode enzymes for synthesizing polyketides, which are complex secondary metabolites. While related to fatty acid synthesis, PKS enzymes produce a broader range of complex molecules, including bryostatins.

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Bryostatin biosynthesis occurs in bacteria living symbiotically within the marine organism *Bugula neritina*.

Answer: True

Explanation: The biosynthesis of bryostatins is attributed to bacterial symbionts residing within the marine bryozoan *Bugula neritina*, rather than the organism itself producing the compounds directly.

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What role do bacterial symbionts play in relation to bryostatins?

Answer: They are the source of the enzymes responsible for bryostatin biosynthesis.

Explanation: Bacterial symbionts residing within *Bugula neritina* are understood to be the biological entities responsible for producing the enzymes that carry out the complex biosynthesis of bryostatins.

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Which enzyme system is responsible for the biosynthesis of bryostatins within *Bugula neritina*'s symbionts?

Answer: Type I Polyketide Synthase (PKS) cluster

Explanation: Bryostatin biosynthesis is carried out by a type I polyketide synthase (PKS) cluster, a large, modular enzymatic complex essential for the synthesis of polyketide natural products.

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What is the function of the enzyme BryR in the bryostatin biosynthetic pathway?

Answer: Beta-branching via aldol reaction

Explanation: The enzyme BryR plays a critical role in catalyzing the beta-branching step of the bryostatin biosynthetic pathway through an aldol reaction.

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Which enzymes are responsible for molecular extension, pyran ring closure, and final cyclization in bryostatin production?

Answer: BryC and BryD

Explanation: The enzymes BryC and BryD are responsible for key later steps in the pathway, including further molecular extension, the closure of the pyran ring, and the final cyclization required to assemble the complete bryostatin structure.

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How does BryR's substrate specificity differ from typical primary metabolism enzymes like HMG-CoA synthase?

Answer: BryR shows specificity for protein-bound Acyl Carrier Proteins (ACPs), unlike CoA-bound substrates.

Explanation: BryR exhibits specificity for protein-bound Acyl Carrier Proteins (ACPs), particularly after ACP-d is converted to its holo form. This contrasts with typical primary metabolism homologs like HMG-CoA synthase, which act on Coenzyme A (CoA)-bound substrates.

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Which of the following is NOT a function attributed to BryT, BryA, or BryB in the bryostatin pathway?

Answer: Beta-branching (BryR)

Explanation: BryT, BryA, and BryB are associated with dehydration, O-methylation, and double bond isomerization, respectively. Beta-branching is catalyzed by the enzyme BryR.

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What role do bacterial symbionts play in relation to bryostatins?

Answer: They are the source of the enzymes responsible for bryostatin biosynthesis.

Explanation: Bacterial symbionts residing within *Bugula neritina* are understood to be the biological entities responsible for producing the enzymes that carry out the complex biosynthesis of bryostatins.

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