Drosophilia sex determination is controlled through which of the following mechanisms?

During an examination of the genomic sequences surrounding the human β-globin gene, you discover a region of DNA that bears sequence resemblance to the glucocorticoid response element (GRE) of the human metallothionein IIA (hMTIIA) gene. Describe experiments that you would design to test (1) whether this sequence was necessary for accurate β-globin gene expression and (2) whether this sequence acted in the same way as the hMTIIA gene's GRE.

Marine stickleback fish have pelvic fins with long spines that provide protection from larger predatory fish. Some stickleback fish were trapped in lakes and have adapted to life in a different environment. Many lake populations of stickleback fish lack pelvic fins. Shapiro et al. (2004) (Nature 428:717.723) mapped the mutation associated with the loss of pelvic fins to the Pitx1 locus, a gene expressed in pelvic fins, the pituitary gland, and the jaw. However, the coding sequence of the Pitx1 gene is identical in marine and lake stickleback [Chan et al. (2010). Science 327:5963,302–305]. Moreover, when the Pitx1 coding region is deleted, the fish die with defects in the pituitary gland and the jaw, and they lack pelvic fins. Explain how a mutation near, but outside of, the coding region of Pitx1 may cause a loss of pelvic fins without pleiotropic effects on the pituitary gland and jaw.

The localization and translational control of actin mRNA is important for the migration of fibroblasts and is regulated by the activity of the kinase Src (see Figure 18.10). Src is activated by phosphorylation when cell surface receptors bind to signaling molecules. How might this system lead to a cell migrating in a specific direction? How might the cell migrate away from repulsive signals?

Which of the following is NOT a DNA binding motif?

Gene regulation in eukaryotes only occurs during the transcription stage of gene expression.

Devoting a few sentences to each, describe the following structures or complexes and their effects on eukaryotic gene expression: Dicer

Devoting a few sentences to each, describe the following structures or complexes and their effects on eukaryotic gene expression: RISC

Devoting a few sentences to each, describe the following structures or complexes and their effects on eukaryotic gene expression: silencer