Question

While delivering genes by chemical methods, one popular conjecture about what happens to poly(ethylenimine)/DNA complexes following endocytosis is known as the proton sponge hypothesis, which entails the following steps:
(A) PEI/DNA complexes are endocytosed.
(B) V-ATPases will pump protons into the vesicular interior.
(C) Water will enter the vesicle to balance the osmotic gradient.,
(D) The vesicle will swell due to the entry of ions and water, leading to rupture.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B), and (D) only
• B. (A), (B), and (C) only
• C. (A), (B), (C), and (D)
• D. (B), (C), and (D) only

Hint:

Understand the sequence of events described in the proton sponge hypothesis for efficient gene delivery.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The proton sponge hypothesis posits that PEI/DNA complexes enter cells through endocytosis. V-ATPases acidify the internalized vesicles by pumping protons. This acidification induces water influx, leading to osmotic swelling and subsequent vesicle rupture, thereby releasing DNA into the cytoplasm.