If a cell contained a mutation in the gene that encodes FtsZ, which process would be affected?

Question

A.  Septation
B.  Cytokinesis
C.  Prophase
D.  DNA Synthesis
E.  Cohesin cleavage

Clarify Question
  · What is the key concept addressed by the question?
· What type of thinking is required?
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?

  Gather Content
  · What do you know about FtsZ? How does it relate to the question?

  Consider Possibilities
  · What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?

  Choose Answer
  · Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?

  Reflect on Process
  · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?

Answer 1

A.  Septation

Clarify Question
  · What is the key concept addressed by the question?
        o The question asks about the role of FtsZ.
· What type of thinking is required?
        o You are being asked to apply your knowledge of FtsZ to predict what would happen if it was mutated.
· What key words does the question contain and what do they mean?
        o A mutation in FtsZ – when a mutation in a protein is discussed it can be assumed the mutation leads to a loss of function of that protein even though the majority of mutations are neutral and have no effect on function.

  Gather Content
  · What do you know about FtsZ? How does it relate to the question?
        o FtsZ is a protein found in a ring around the center of a bacterium.  As this ring closes down the cell splits into two new cells.

  Consider Possibilities
  · What other information is related to the question? Which information is most useful?
        o FtsZ is only found in bacteria so it is not involved in eukaryotic processes like cytokinesis, cohesin cleavage, and prophase.
        o FtsZ is not involved in DNA synthesis.

  Choose Answer
  · Given what you now know, what information and/or problem solving approach is most likely to produce the correct answer?
        o The best answer is that FtsZ is involved in pinching bacterial cells into two new cells through the formation of a ring around the center of the cell called a septum.  The process is called septation and will be blocked if FtsZ activity is lost.

  Reflect on Process
  · Did your problem-solving process lead you to the correct answer? If not, where did the process break down or lead you astray? How can you revise your approach to produce a more desirable result?
        o This question asked you to apply your understanding of the role of FtsZ in a bacterial cell to predict what would happen if it was mutated. If you got the correct answer, great job! If you got an incorrect answer, where did the process break down? Did you recall that FtsZ is found in the center of the cell?  Did you remember that the septum contracts in septation?