Which normal cells are most often affected by chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which is a fundamental mechanism of its action against cancer. Among the normal cells in the body, hematopoietic cells (found in the bone marrow and involved in blood cell production), mucosal cells (lining the digestive tract and other passages), and hair follicles are particularly affected because they naturally divide at a high rate.

Hematopoietic cells are essential for the production of blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The rapid turnover of these cells makes them susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy, leading to side effects such as anemia, increased risk of infection, and bleeding.

Mucosal cells in the gastrointestinal tract also replicate quickly and are adversely affected, which can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and oral mucositis. Similarly, hair follicles are highly active in cell division, resulting in hair loss commonly experienced during chemotherapy.

In contrast, nerve cells and muscle cells divide much less frequently; therefore, they are generally less affected by chemotherapy. While skin cells do turn over relatively quickly, the primary focus of chemotherapy-induced damage is more pronounced in the categories mentioned in the correct answer. Connective tissue, bone cells, and fat cells have varying rates of division