Sigma B Is a Stress-Induced Transcription Factor in Bacillus Subtilis

question 11

Multiple Choice

Sigma B is a stress-induced transcription factor in Bacillus subtilis. Bacteria producing a sigma B-YFP fusion protein were exposed to constant energy stress, and fluorescence pulses emitted by individual cells were detected by time-lapse microscopy. Could this result have been obtained using a sigma B-b-gal fusion protein?

• A) Yes. Hydrolysis of X-Gal by b-galactosidase produces a blue product detectable by eye.
• B) Yes. Hydrolysis of ONPG by b-galactosidase in liquid medium produces an orange compound measurable by spectrophotometry.
• C) Yes. It depends on how well the reporter gene is inserted into the vector with respect to the position of the ribosome-binding site.
• D) No. Whereas YFP fluorescence can be carefully observed and measured by time-lapse microscopy, b-gal activity is measured as an average of the population as a whole.
• E) No; the product would not be detectable by eye.

Understand the fundamentals and importance of research methodologies and data gathering techniques.

Identify and differentiate between primary and secondary data sources.

Comprehend the basic structure and characteristics of reports and proposals within organizational contexts.

Recognize the ethical considerations in research, including the avoidance of plagiarism.

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Definitions:

Demand

The desire for a particular good or service combined with the ability and willingness to pay for it.

Emergent Property

A characteristic or phenomenon that arises from the interaction and organization of individual components in a system, not predictable from the properties of the individual parts.

Market Equilibrium

The point at which the quantity of goods supplied equals the quantity demanded at a particular price.

Emergent Equilibria

The spontaneous attainment of stability within a complex system where individual components interact and adjust to changing conditions without central control.