Suppose That a Homeotic Gene from Drosophila Is Introduced into an Arabidopsis

question 4

Multiple Choice

Suppose that a homeotic gene from Drosophila is introduced into an Arabidopsis embryo that has a pre- existing mutation in one of its homeotic flower genes. What effect would you expect and why?

• A) a mixture of roughly equal numbers of Drosophila and plant gene product, producing an intermediate phenotype
• B) expression of the Drosophila homeotic gene correcting the mRNA of the mutant plant
• C) no effect, because Hox genes are different from MADS box genes
• D) correction of the sequence in the mutant by recombination with the Drosophila gene sequence
• E) rescue (or negating) of the phenotype of the mutant because the fly Hox gene supplies the missing protein

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Definitions:

Epigenetic Marks

Chemical modifications to DNA or histones that affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence, influencing development and health.

Stress Hormones

Biochemical substances, such as cortisol, that are released into the body in response to stress, affecting various bodily functions and emotional states.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information critical for the development, functioning, and reproduction of organisms.

Genomes

The complete set of an organism's DNA, including all of its genes.