The Mouse Thymus Normally Contains About 1–2 X 108 Thymocytes $\alpha$

question 2

Essay

The mouse thymus normally contains about 1–2 x 108 thymocytes, the vast majority of which are CD4+CD8+ (double-positive) cells. When thymocytes from mice with a gene deficiency in the TCR $\alpha$ locus are compared with those from TCR $\beta$ -deficient mice, a striking difference between the two different knockout lines is observed, as shown in Figure in a simplified version of flow cytometry data. The numbers of thymocytes in each thymus is indicated below the plots.


-What is the explanation for the difference in thymocyte subsets and cell numbers observed when comparing TCR $\alpha$ ^-/- to TCR $\beta$ ^-/- thymocytes?

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Definitions:

Coenzyme A

A cofactor that plays a critical role in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, as well as in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes that transfer electrons through a membrane within mitochondria to form a gradient used to produce ATP.

Citric Acid Cycle

A key metabolic pathway that integrates the energy production from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in aerobic organisms.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that carries energy within cells, essential for energy transfer and metabolism.