Neoplasia: invasion: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Neoplasia: invasion

Sample item

Which enzyme facilitates tumor invasion by degrading extracellular matrix and basement membrane?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Matrix metalloproteinase

Matrix metalloproteinases degrade collagen and other extracellular-matrix components, aiding local tumor invasion and metastasis. Tumor cells also alter adhesion and migration pathways.

Option by option

  • A. Matrix metalloproteinase (correct)

    Correct. MMPs help breach basement membrane and stroma.

  • B. DNA polymerase

    DNA polymerase replicates DNA.

  • C. Acetylcholinesterase

    Acetylcholinesterase terminates synaptic acetylcholine signaling.

  • D. Renin

    Renin participates in blood-pressure regulation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Matrix metalloproteinase. Matrix metalloproteinases degrade collagen and other extracellular-matrix components, aiding local tumor invasion and metastasis.

Why is "DNA polymerase" not the answer?

DNA polymerase replicates DNA.

Why is "Acetylcholinesterase" not the answer?

Acetylcholinesterase terminates synaptic acetylcholine signaling.

Why is "Renin" not the answer?

Renin participates in blood-pressure regulation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: invasion in Pathology. Tumor cells also alter adhesion and migration pathways.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neoplasia: invasion?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.