Secondly, how are gene switches involved in determining which sticklebacks possess armor and which do not? A mutation in a switch causes a gene to no longer be expressed in some locations. This results in the absence of specific structures such as armor and hind limbs.
Full Answer
What does a gene switch determine?
0:021:27Science in 1 minute: What are genetic switches? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhat are genetic switches. Our DNA determines our appearance. And the functions of every tissue. AndMoreWhat are genetic switches. Our DNA determines our appearance. And the functions of every tissue. And even every cell.
How are gene switches involved in the presence of spots on the wings of some fruit fly species and not on the wings of other species?
In the flies with wing spots, there is a new switch that expands the job of the of the paintbrush gene. In addition to pigmenting the abdomen of the fly, the same gene now also pigments the wings. It is a matter of when and where the gene is turned on. Wing spots play a role in the courtship ritual of the flies.
What is the role of gene switches in evolution?
Changes in these switches — the promoters and enhancers in DNA that regulate the transcription of protein-coding genes — supposedly promote evolution by causing existing genes to be expressed at new times and places.
What kinds of environmental agents can cause mutation?
Mutations are caused by environmental factors known as mutagens. Types of mutagens include radiation, chemicals, and infectious agents.
How do genes switch on and off?
The gene regulatory proteins allow the individual genes of an organism to be turned on or off specifically. Different selections of gene regulatory proteins are present in different cell types and thereby direct the patterns of gene expression that give each cell type its unique characteristics.
Why does the paintbrush gene result in wing spots in some flies but not in others?
Both species have the same ”paintbrush” gene in their 'genetic tool-kit'. Why does one species display spots on the wings and the other species not? One fruit fly has the switch turned on, which allows for wing spots to be shown on the fruit fly. The other doesn't have the switch on, so they won't be able to.
What genes are regulated by gene switches?
The switch-regulated gene products are commonly surface antigens required for motility, adhesion, and cell-type determination, such as flagellin, pilin, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), and a/α mating-type proteins.
What turns a gene on usually it involves a binding to DNA?
Transcription factors are proteins that help turn specific genes "on" or "off" by binding to nearby DNA. Transcription factors that are activators boost a gene's transcription.
What is the difference between a switch and a gene?
Regulatory "switches" are found upstream from a gene. Regulatory molecules bind to the switches and recruit RNA polymerase to bind to the gene's promoter region, increasing the transcription of the gene into messenger RNA. Each gene has a promoter region near its upstream end.
What causes mutation in genes?
A gene can mutate because of: a change in one or more nucleotides of DNA. a change in many genes. loss of one or more genes.
How does gene mutation occur?
Gene mutations also occur throughout life. They can result from copying mistakes made when the cell is dividing and replicating. They can also be caused by viruses, exposure to radiation (such as the sun) or chemicals (such as smoking).
What are environmental gene mutations?
Environmental mutagens are defined as chemical and physical agents in the environment that induce genetic mutations or increase mutation rates during the human life span [1]. Most mutagens act as human carcinogens or exert genotoxic effects on the next generation via germ cells.