Describe the functions of maternal effect genes, segmentation genes, and homeotic genes. In your
answer, include the effects of mutations in each category of gene.
What will be an ideal response?
Maternal effect genes are expressed in the mother and the transcripts/proteins are stored in the oocyte
in patterns so that the subsequent zygote will have these protein patterns present to dictate the polarity
of the developing embryo (anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral). Mutations in these genes in the
mother are lethal, rendering her apparently sterile. Segmentation genes are responsible for subdividing
the embryo into particular regions. Mutations in these genes result in embryos that are missing large
blocks of embryo. Homeotic genes activate development of large structures such as wings and eyes.
Mutations in these genes result in the absence of whole structures.
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Which of the following is most likely to result in a nonfunctional polypeptide?
A. a silent mutation B. a missense mutation C. a nonsense mutation D. a transition mutation E. Silent and missense mutations are the most likely to result in a nonfunctional polypeptide.
In a stimulated muscle fiber, the calcium ions released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum bind to the protein _______.
A. myosin B. tropomyosin C. actin D. troponin
Mutations that occur in one member of a gene pair that arose from gene duplication may create _____
A) a pseudogene B) a gene with a new function C) a gene family with two distinct but related members D) a pseudogene, a gene with a new function, and a gene family with two distinct but related members
Chronic inhalation of particular fungal allergens would lead to a(n)
A. type I hypersensitivity reaction. B. type II hypersensitivity reaction. C. type III hypersensitivity reaction. D. type IV hypersensitivity reaction. E. autoimmune disease.