What is the main effect of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells?

The main effect of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells is that it kills them. Chemotherapy agents are specifically designed to target and disrupt the processes of cell division and replication. Cancer cells tend to divide more rapidly than normal cells, which is why chemotherapy is often effective in treating various types of cancer. These agents can interfere with the DNA replication and repair mechanisms within the cells, leading to cell death. This is why chemotherapy is considered a staple in oncology; it reduces the number of cancer cells in a given tumor and helps in controlling the spread of cancer.

Rapidly dividing normal cells, such as those found in the hair follicles, bone marrow, and gastrointestinal tract, can also be affected by chemotherapy. This can lead to side effects such as hair loss, bone marrow suppression, and nausea. However, the primary purpose of chemotherapy remains the targeted destruction of malignant cells that proliferate uncontrollably.