Suppose you identify a gene that may be involved in intelligence. Describe two different techniques using mice that might be used to determine the specific effect of this gene on cognitive ability
If the gene really is important for specific cognitive abilities, how would each technique demonstrate this?
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: A good answer will include the following key points.
? In Gene knockout (KO) studies, researchers breed mice with a specific gene is removed.
? These mice are then tested and compared to those who still have the gene.
? If the gene is a factor in cognitive ability, then the KO mice would be expected to perform worse than the normal mice at one or more cognitive tests.
? Another approach is to create transgenic mice that have had a gene added to their DNA.
? If the transgenic mice perform better than normal mice at one or more cognitive tasks, it suggests that the gene is involved in intelligence.
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