General anatomy and histology: retrograde axonal transport: practice question

A Anatomy 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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Anatomy · General anatomy and histology: retrograde axonal transport

Sample item

After a bite from a rabid dog, the virus travels from the peripheral nerve ending up the axon to the spinal cord and brain. Which motor protein drives this movement?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Dynein

Cytoplasmic dynein moves cargo along microtubules toward the minus end, which is toward the cell body (retrograde transport). Rabies virus and tetanus toxin exploit it to reach the CNS. Kinesin carries cargo away from the soma (anterograde).

Option by option

  • A. Dynamin

    Dynamin is a GTPase that pinches off vesicles and does not walk along microtubules.

  • B. Kinesin

    Kinesin moves cargo away from the cell body in anterograde transport.

  • C. Dynein (correct)

    Correct. Dynein drives retrograde transport toward the cell body.

  • D. Myosin II

    Myosin II powers muscle contraction and not long-distance axonal transport.

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 Anatomy question

What is the answer to this Anatomy question?

The best answer is C, Dynein. Cytoplasmic dynein moves cargo along microtubules toward the minus end, which is toward the cell body (retrograde transport).

Why is "Dynamin" not the answer?

Dynamin is a GTPase that pinches off vesicles and does not walk along microtubules.

Why is "Kinesin" not the answer?

Kinesin moves cargo away from the cell body in anterograde transport.

Why is "Myosin II" not the answer?

Myosin II powers muscle contraction and not long-distance axonal transport.

What concept does this question test?

It tests General anatomy and histology: retrograde axonal transport in Anatomy. Rabies virus and tetanus toxin exploit it to reach the CNS. Kinesin carries cargo away from the soma (anterograde).

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 General anatomy and histology: retrograde axonal transport?

Learn every nerve by its route, its muscles and what a lesion looks like at the bedside. That one habit answers a large share of questions. Then use the flashcards and the other Anatomy 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.