Biomolecules and enzymes: kinesin and axonal transport: practice question

A Biochemistry 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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Biochemistry · Biomolecules and enzymes: kinesin and axonal transport

Sample item

Vesicles loaded with neurotransmitter-synthesising enzymes must travel from the neuronal cell body along microtubules to the axon terminal. Which motor protein drives this movement toward the plus end?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Kinesin

Kinesins walk toward the plus end of microtubules, which points to the axon terminal, and carry vesicles in fast anterograde transport. Cytoplasmic dynein moves toward the minus end, returning material to the cell body in retrograde transport.

Option by option

  • A. Myosin II

    Myosin II drives actin-based contraction in muscle and the contractile ring, not microtubule transport.

  • B. Kinesin (correct)

    Correct. Kinesin is the plus-end-directed motor responsible for anterograde axonal transport.

  • C. Cytoplasmic dynein

    Cytoplasmic dynein moves toward the minus end and carries cargo retrograde to the cell body.

  • D. Dynamin

    Dynamin is a GTPase that pinches off endocytic vesicles and is not a microtubule motor.

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 Biochemistry question

What is the answer to this Biochemistry question?

The best answer is B, Kinesin. Kinesins walk toward the plus end of microtubules, which points to the axon terminal, and carry vesicles in fast anterograde transport.

Why is "Myosin II" not the answer?

Myosin II drives actin-based contraction in muscle and the contractile ring, not microtubule transport.

Why is "Cytoplasmic dynein" not the answer?

Cytoplasmic dynein moves toward the minus end and carries cargo retrograde to the cell body.

Why is "Dynamin" not the answer?

Dynamin is a GTPase that pinches off endocytic vesicles and is not a microtubule motor.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biomolecules and enzymes: kinesin and axonal transport in Biochemistry. Cytoplasmic dynein moves toward the minus end, returning material to the cell body in retrograde transport.

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 Biomolecules and enzymes: kinesin and axonal transport?

Build one table of enzyme deficiency, disease, inheritance and key finding, then revise it by spaced recall. Then use the flashcards and the other Biochemistry 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.