Some chemotherapeutic agents, such as Agent K-40, target rapidly dividing cells in the body but also cause side-effects like inflammation and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in healthy intestinal epithelial cells. This results in the damage and flattening of the intestinal mucosa, leading to a severe reduction in the density of villi and microvilli.
Explain why the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells and subsequent loss of microvilli decreases the rate of absorption of digested nutrients.
Scientists cultured healthy intestinal epithelial cells and exposed them to different concentrations of Agent K-40. After 24 hours of exposure, they determined the percentage of cells that had undergone apoptosis. The results are shown in Figure 1.
Do the data in Figure 1 show a linear relationship between the concentration of Agent K-40 and the percentage of apoptotic cells?
Use suitable calculations to justify your answer.
