Imagine discovering a loss-of-function mutation in a eukaryotic gene. You determ
ID: 164152 • Letter: I
Question
Imagine discovering a loss-of-function mutation in a eukaryotic gene. You determine the gene's nucleotide sequence from the start site for transcription to the termination point of transcription and find no differences from the wild-type sequence. Explain where you think the mutation might be and how the mutation might be acting. The mutation is likely in a promoter. The mutation is probably acting to prevent binding of RNA-polymerase. The mutation is nowhere else but in a promoter-proximal element. The mutation is probably acting to stop the expression of this certain gene. The mutation is nowhere else but in an enhancer. The mutation is probably acting to prevent transcription of the gene. The mutation is likely in any type of regulatory sequence. The mutation is probably acting to reduce or prevent transcription initiation.Explanation / Answer
Answer
A mutation is a small change in the nucleotide sequence of a short region of a genome. Determined gene's nucleotide sequence from the start site for transcription to the termination point of transcription was no different from the wild-type. This means that mutation must be a silent mutation as it has no effect on the coding function of the genome and the mutated gene codes exactly for the same protein as unmutated gene. Therefore, the mutation must have occured in the regions of non-coding regulatory sequence.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.