ch 22

Question 1

why use the model organism to study development?

Answer 1

genes that are essential to the developmental process are conserved, easy to manipulate

Question 2

how can we identify the genes required for this process?

Answer 2

-mutant screen: examine a large number of mutated organisms and identify those showing the phenotype of interest

Question 3

how many genes are causing this mutant phenotype?

Answer 3

complementation testing: when crossing two mutants, WT progeny should be obtained if the mutations are in different genes

Question 4

how can we verify that the genes are required for the developmental process?

Answer 4

-create gene knockouts or complements (replacing the functional gene in a mutant)

Question 5

how can we uncover the process these genes use to drive development?

Answer 5

study the protein structure to determine clues about its function

Question 6

why can mutant screens miss genes?

Answer 6

-redundancy: if more than one gene contributes to the same phenotype
-pleiotropy: some genes may be required for more than one developmental pathway (loss of function could affect viability)

Question 7

how can we study mutants of these genes if they are essential to development?

Answer 7

using conditional mutants

Question 8

how can you use RNA us situ hybridization to determine function?

Answer 8

-label the cDNA corresponding to the RNA of interest and use this to track where the RNA is being made

Question 9

how can you use RNA sequencing to determine function?

Answer 9

collect all of the RNA from the target cells/tissues
-sequence them and the abundance tells that they are at higher levels

Question 10

how can you use immunofluorescence to determine function?

Answer 10

• uses labeled antibodies to track your proteins of interest

Question 11

how can you use fusion gene construct to determine function?

Answer 11

creates a construct that has a fluorescence of gene right next to your gene of interest under control of the genes promoter and any enhancer