Textbook Question
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using GFP versus lacZ as a reporter gene in mice, C. elegans, and Drosophila?
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 C.1a
Sanders 3rd EditionCh. 14 - Analysis of Gene Function via Forward Genetics and Reverse GeneticsProblem C.1aChapter 14, Problem C.1a
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
RB1(retinoblastoma)
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Understand that the RB1 gene is a tumor suppressor gene, which means its normal function is to regulate cell cycle progression and prevent uncontrolled cell division.
Recognize that the RB1 protein plays a critical role in controlling the transition from the G1 phase to the S phase of the cell cycle by inhibiting E2F transcription factors, which promote DNA replication.
Note that when RB1 is functioning normally, it binds to E2F and keeps it inactive, thereby preventing cells from prematurely entering the DNA synthesis phase.
Realize that mutations in RB1 lead to loss of this regulatory function, allowing cells to divide uncontrollably, which contributes to the development of cancers such as retinoblastoma.
Summarize that the normal function of RB1 is to act as a gatekeeper in the cell cycle, ensuring cells only divide when appropriate, thus maintaining genomic stability.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Tumor Suppressor Genes
Tumor suppressor genes produce proteins that regulate cell growth and division, preventing uncontrolled proliferation. When these genes, like RB1, are mutated or inactivated, cells can grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer development.
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Function of the RB1 Gene
The RB1 gene encodes the retinoblastoma protein (pRB), which controls the cell cycle by inhibiting progression from the G1 to S phase. It acts as a checkpoint to prevent excessive cell division, and loss of its function removes this control, promoting tumor formation.
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Mechanism of Cancer Development via Gene Mutation
Mutations in genes like RB1 disrupt normal cellular functions, such as cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, or apoptosis. This disruption allows abnormal cells to survive and proliferate, contributing to cancer initiation and progression.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
Which of these genes would you classify as a proto-oncogene and which as a tumor suppressor gene? Explain your categorization for each gene.
Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
p53(Li–Fraumeni syndrome)
Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
c-MYC(Burkitt lymphoma)
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Textbook Question
Identify the normal functions of the following genes whose mutations are associated with the development of cancer.
APC(familial adenomatous polyposis)
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Textbook Question
You conduct a study in which the transcriptional fusion of regulatory sequences of a particular gene with a reporter gene results in relatively uniform expression of the reporter gene in all cells of an organism. A translational fusion with the same gene shows reporter gene expression only in the nucleus of a specific cell type. Discuss some biological causes for the difference in expression patterns of the two transgenes.