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Gene A is thought to be associated with color blindness. The protein corresponding to gene A is isolated. Analysis of the protein recovered shows there are actually two different proteins that differ in molecular weight that correspond to gene A. What is one reason why there may be two proteins corresponding to the gene? a. One protein had a 5’ cap and a poly-A tail in its mRNA, and the other protein did not. b. One protein had a 5’ UTR and a 3’ UTR in its RNA, and the other protein did not. c. The gene was alternatively spliced. d. The gene produced mRNA molecules with differing stability.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The gene was alternatively spliced.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Problem

Gene A is associated with the production of proteins related to color blindness. Analysis revealed two different proteins with varying molecular weights that originate from this gene.
02

Consider Possible Explanations

Options given are: a) Differences in mRNA processing with 5’ cap and poly-A tail, b) Differences in RNA untranslated regions (5’ UTR and 3’ UTR), c) Alternative splicing of the gene, d) Varying stability of mRNA molecules.
03

Eliminate Incorrect Options

a) Both proteins having or not having a 5’ cap and poly-A tail would not necessarily result in different molecular weights. b) Presence or absence of UTRs is related to translation initiation and stability but not the protein's molecular weight. d) Differences in mRNA stability affect how long mRNA persists in the cell but not the resulting protein's molecular weight.
04

Identify Correct Explanation

c) Alternative splicing can remove or include different exons during mRNA processing, leading to proteins of differing molecular weights. This correctly explains the presence of two proteins from the same gene.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

gene expression
Gene expression is the process through which genetic information from DNA is used to produce functional products like proteins. It involves several steps. First, a gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA) in the cell nucleus. The mRNA then travels to the cytoplasm where it is translated into a protein.Most genes encode the information needed to build proteins. A gene's start and stop signals, promoters, and regulatory sequences all influence when and how it is expressed.
  • Transcription: DNA is transcribed to mRNA.
  • Translation: mRNA is translated to make a protein.
  • Regulation: Gene expression is controlled by various factors (e.g., transcription factors, enhancers).
Gene expression is crucial for cell function and adaptation. Any error in this process can result in diseases, including genetic disorders and various types of cancer.
mRNA processing
After mRNA is transcribed from DNA, it undergoes several processing steps before becoming a mature mRNA ready for translation. This processing occurs in the nucleus and includes capping, polyadenylation, and splicing.
  • Capping: A 5' cap is added to protect the mRNA from degradation and assist in ribosome binding during translation.
  • Polyadenylation: A poly-A tail is added to the 3' end, increasing the mRNA's stability and lifespan in the cytoplasm.
  • Splicing: Introns (non-coding regions) are removed, and exons (coding regions) are joined to form a continuous coding sequence.
These modifications ensure that the mRNA is stable and efficiently translated into a functional protein. Errors in mRNA processing can lead to defective or non-functional proteins, contributing to various diseases.
protein variation
Protein variation refers to the diversity of protein forms that can arise from a single gene. A common mechanism for this variation is alternative splicing, where different combinations of exons are joined together during mRNA splicing. This process can create multiple protein isoforms from the same gene, each with potentially distinct functions.
  • Alternative splicing allows cells to adapt to different conditions and needs.
  • It increases the diversity of the proteome without increasing the number of genes.
For instance, in the case of gene A (related to color blindness), alternative splicing might produce two protein forms with different molecular weights. This would explain the presence of two different proteins originating from the same gene. Protein variation through alternative splicing is crucial for the complexity and adaptability of organisms. Disruptions in this process can lead to diseases, including various genetic disorders and cancers.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

How can external stimuli alter post-transcriptional control of gene expression? a. UV rays can alter methylation and acetylation of proteins. b. RNA binding proteins are modified through phosphorylation. c. External stimuli can cause deacetylation and demethylation of the transcript. d. UV rays can cause dimerization of the RNA binding proteins.

The enzyme ployadenylate polymerase catalyzes the addition of adenosine monophosphate to the 3’ ends of mRNAs to form a poly-A tail. If the enzyme were blocked so that it could not function, the result would be: a. increased mRNA stability in eukaryotes, and decreased mRNA stability in prokaryotes b. decreased mRNA stability in eukaryotes, and no effect in prokaryotes c. no effect in eukaryotes, and increased mRNA stability in prokaryotes d. no effect in eukaryotes, and decreased mRNA stability in prokaryotes

Flowering Locus C (FLC) is a gene that is responsible for flowering in certain plants. FLC is expressed in new seedlings, which prevents flowering. Upon exposure to cold temperatures, FLC expression decreases and the plant flowers. FLC is regulated through epigenetic modifications. What type of epigenetic modifications are present in new seedlings and after cold exposure? a. In new seedlings, histone acetylations are present; upon cold exposure, methylation occurs. b. In new seedlings, histone deacetylations are present; upon cold exposure, methylation occurs. c. In new seedlings, histone methylations are present; upon cold exposure, acetylation occurs. d. In new seedlings, histone methylations are present; upon cold exposure, deacetylation occurs

The lac operon consists of regulatory regions such as the promoter as well as the structural genes lacZ, lacY, and lacA, which code for proteins involved in lactose metabolism. What would be the outcome of a mutation in one of the structural genes of the lac operon? a. Mutation in structural genes will stop transcription. b. Mutated lacY will produce an abnormal \(\beta\) galactosidase protein. c. Mutated lacA will produce a protein that will transfer an acetyl group to \(\beta\) galactosidase. d. Transcription will continue but lactose will not be metabolized properly.

The addition of a ubiquitin group to a protein does what? a. increases the stability of the protein b. decreases translation of the protein c. increases translation of the protein d. marks the protein for degradation

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