Textbook Question
A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. What must happen for a benign tumor to become malignant?
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Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - The Molecular Basis of Heredity, Variation, and Evolution64
- Ch. 2 - Transmission Genetics144
- Ch. 3 - Cell Division and Chromosome Heredity81
- Ch. 4 - Gene Interaction87
- Ch. 5 - Genetic Linkage and Mapping in Eukaryotes103
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages73
- Ch. 7 - DNA Structure and Replication71
- Ch. 8 - Molecular Biology of Transcription and RNA Processing79
- Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation110
- Ch. 10 - Eukaryotic Chromosome Abnormalities and Molecular Organization100
- Ch. 11 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Homologous Recombination86
- Ch. 12 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria and Bacteriophage90
- Ch. 13 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes38
- Ch. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse Genetics72
- Ch. 15 - Recombinant DNA Technology and Its Applications69
- Ch. 16 - Genomics: Genetics from a Whole-Genome Perspective49
- Ch. 17 - Organelle Inheritance and the Evolution of Organelle Genomes27
- Ch. 18 - Developmental Genetics43
- Ch. 19 - Genetic Analysis of Quantitative Traits66
- Ch. 20 - Population Genetics and Evolution at the Population, Species, and Molecular Levels105
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
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Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem 3
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem 3Chapter 14, Problem 3
Discuss the similarities and differences between forward and reverse genetic approaches, and when you would choose to utilize each of the approaches.
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Forward genetics begins with a phenotype (observable trait) and works to identify the gene or genetic mutation responsible for that phenotype. Reverse genetics, on the other hand, starts with a known gene and investigates its function by observing the phenotypic effects of altering or disrupting that gene.
In forward genetics, random mutagenesis is often used to induce mutations, and then individuals with the desired phenotype are identified and studied. In reverse genetics, techniques such as gene knockout, RNA interference (RNAi), or CRISPR-Cas9 are employed to specifically target and modify the gene of interest.
Forward genetics is particularly useful when the genetic basis of a trait is unknown, as it allows researchers to discover new genes involved in a biological process. Reverse genetics is chosen when the gene of interest is already identified, and the goal is to understand its specific role or function.
A similarity between the two approaches is that both aim to establish a connection between genes and phenotypes, contributing to our understanding of genetic function and regulation.
You would choose forward genetics when studying a novel phenotype or process without prior knowledge of the genes involved. Reverse genetics is more appropriate when you have a specific gene in mind and want to explore its role in a particular biological context.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Forward Genetics
Forward genetics is an experimental approach that starts with a phenotype (observable traits) and works towards identifying the underlying genetic basis. Researchers typically induce mutations using chemicals or radiation and then screen for individuals with desired traits. This method is useful for discovering new genes and understanding their functions in biological processes.
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Reverse Genetics
Reverse genetics, in contrast, begins with a known gene and seeks to determine its function by analyzing the phenotypic effects of specific gene modifications. Techniques such as gene knockout or RNA interference are commonly employed to disrupt gene function. This approach is particularly valuable for studying the roles of specific genes in development, disease, and other biological phenomena.
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Choosing Between Approaches
The choice between forward and reverse genetics depends on the research question and the available knowledge. Forward genetics is ideal for exploring unknown genetic pathways and discovering new genes, while reverse genetics is suited for investigating the function of specific genes when their sequences are already known. Understanding the context and goals of the study will guide researchers in selecting the most appropriate method.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. Give an example from this chapter of a benign tumor that becomes a malignant tumor.
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Textbook Question
A tumor is a growing mass of abnormal cells. Describe the difference between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor.
Textbook Question
Go to the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development (http://www.nichd.nih.gov), locate the search box at the top right corner of the homepage, and enter 'RUSP' to search for information on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel. From the options that appear, select 'Brief History of Newborn Screening' and locate the discussion listing the criteria for adding a disease to the RUSP list. What are the criteria for listing a disease on the RUSP list?
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Textbook Question
For the retinal cancer retinoblastoma, the inheritance of one mutated copy of RB1 from one of the parents is often referred to as a mutation that produces a 'dominant predisposition to cancer.' This means that the first mutation does not produce cancer but makes it very likely that cancer will develop.
Explain why cancer is almost certain to develop with the inheritance of one mutated copy of RB1.
Textbook Question
Using the data in Table B, calculate the average number of kilobase (kb) pairs per centimorgan in the six multicellular eukaryotic organisms. How would this information influence strategies to clone genes known only by a mutant phenotype in these organisms?