After reading the paragraph below, answer the questions that follow.
Gene knockdown is a procedure used to reduce gene expression in cells or organisms so that scientists can investigate gene function. While there are several ways to knock down gene expression, RNAi is one of the most commonly used approaches. Suppose that a research team wants to investigate where a new gene X is expressed in the fruit fly,
Drosophila melanogaster. Using RNAi, they obtained the results shown below examining the expression of gene X in four types of tissues.
Which of the following physiological results would you possibly find in the
Drosophila that underwent RNAi against gene X?
◦ The flies would not be able to fly as well because their flight muscles have been affected.
◦ The flies would not be able to digest food as well because their epithelial tissues have been affected.
◦ The flies would not be able to produce collagen because their connective tissues have been affected.
◦ The flies would not be able to see as well because their neurons have been affected.
Gene duplication and the evolution of homologous genes
Overview of RNA processing and posttranscriptional gene control
History Questions
Examples of Human Disorders Caused by Single-Gene Mutations
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PCR analysis showing expansion of the CAG repeat region of the HD gene