Mutations in the DFNA20/26 locus, which codes for the actin gamma 1 protein, are associated with congenital deafness. An irate senator complains that government money is being wasted on studies of this mutant gene-in yeast! "I am no biologist," says the senator, "but I am pretty sure yeast don't have ears." How do you respond?

A. "We can learn valuable information about the transcription of the mutant gene in yeast. It is much more difficult to study transcription in human cells."
B. "We can learn valuable information about sound transmission through the mutant yeast. By placing a speaker against a yeast vial and recording sound from the other side, we can infer how the mutant actin affects sound waves."
C. "We can learn valuable information about the structure of the mutant protein by expressing it in yeast. It is difficult to collect large amounts of actin from tiny hair cells, and unethical to collect it from human patients."
D. "You are right, Senator -- yeast do not have ears. We should revoke the funding immediately."


Answer: C

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

Which of the following represents the activation energy needed for the noncatalyzed reverse reaction, C + D ? A + B, in the figure?

A) a B) b C) c D) d E) e

Biology & Microbiology

A tunicate is in which phylum?

The free-swimming tunicate larva resembles a tadpole. Once it settles headfirst onto a solid surface the tail and notochord disappear, and the nerve cord shrinks to nearly nothing. The adults, which are usually sessile, retain only the pharyngeal slits. Neither adult nor larva is segmented. A. Annelids B. Nematodes C. Chordates D. Mollusks E. Echinoderms

Biology & Microbiology

The geological timescale was first developed using the fossil record, but this provided only a system of relative dating; absolute dates weren't established until the discovery of ____

Fill in the blank with the appropriate word.

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following contain cytoplasmic organelles?

a. Archaea b. Mercaria c. Eukarya d. Bacteria

Biology & Microbiology