Gene regulation case study

Question 1

Acropora millepora red colouration

Answer 1

Showed red colour on parts in light, in shaded was brown from symbiont
But had a range of colouration in the same environment between organisms

Question 2

Experiment

Answer 2

Isolate and sequence RFP using PCR, amilFP597 are present in the coral genome as multiple copies
Blue light penetrates deepest, so it may regulate gene expression, good to use as a trigger of fluorescence
Highest red colouration in blue light
Expression of photoreceptive protein pigments in many shallow water corals is regulated by the intensity of blue light

Question 3

Why are colour variants in close proximity

Answer 3

Genes encoding photoreceptive protein pigments amilFP597 are present in the coral genome as multiple copies
Copies can be distinguished by specific mutations in the promoter region

Question 4

What causes variance

Answer 4

The amount of transcript and colony colour depends on how many of these genes are actively expressed
Morphs with high levels of pigment expression have advantages in high light habitats (good protection at great cost)
Morphs with low level expression are in advantage in low light habitats