In cells with more than one X chromosome, one X chromosome is inactivated. The opsin1 gene is on the X chromosome and is expressed in the retinal cells of the eye. Mutations in this gene cause the recessive trait of colorblindness. Most women who have one mutant allele of the opsin1 gene and one normal allele of the opsin1 gene (they are heterozygous) can still see color. What is the most likely explanation for this finding?

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
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In cells with more than one X chromosome, one X chromosome is inactivated.
The opsin1 gene is on the X chromosome and is expressed in the retinal cells of
the eye. Mutations in this gene cause the recessive trait of colorblindness. Most
women who have one mutant allele of the opsin1 gene and one normal allele of
the opsin1 gene (they are heterozygous) can still see color. What is the most
likely explanation for this finding?
Some retinal cells will have an active X with the mutant allele of the opsin1 gene, and
some will have an active X with the normal allele of the opsin1 gene
Any mutations in the opsin1 gene on the active X can be corrected through genetic
exchange (recombination) with the inactive X
If the active X has the mutant allele of opsin1 gene, the inactive X with the normal
allele will be reactivated
The X with the mutant allele of the opsin1 gene is more likely to be inactivated
because of the opsin1 mutation
Transcribed Image Text:In cells with more than one X chromosome, one X chromosome is inactivated. The opsin1 gene is on the X chromosome and is expressed in the retinal cells of the eye. Mutations in this gene cause the recessive trait of colorblindness. Most women who have one mutant allele of the opsin1 gene and one normal allele of the opsin1 gene (they are heterozygous) can still see color. What is the most likely explanation for this finding? Some retinal cells will have an active X with the mutant allele of the opsin1 gene, and some will have an active X with the normal allele of the opsin1 gene Any mutations in the opsin1 gene on the active X can be corrected through genetic exchange (recombination) with the inactive X If the active X has the mutant allele of opsin1 gene, the inactive X with the normal allele will be reactivated The X with the mutant allele of the opsin1 gene is more likely to be inactivated because of the opsin1 mutation
Expert Solution
Step 1: Analyzing the Scenario

In individuals of the female sex with multiple X chromosomes, a phenomenon referred to as X chromosome inactivation occurs, when one of the X chromosomes is randomly rendered inactive inside each cell. This mechanism serves to prevent females from inheriting a double dose of X-linked genes in comparison to men.

The gene known as opsin1, which is situated on the X chromosome, plays a crucial role in the perception of colour in the retina. The occurrence of colorblindness may be attributed to genetic mutations within this particular gene, whereby the characteristic is inherited in a recessive manner.


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