Chapter 19, Problem 16PIAT

Summary Introduction

To review:

The working of the given approach for testing the hypothesis in the given experiment.

Introduction:

A micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) is a small fragment of RNA, which is derived from the transcription of genes. This fragment of RNA can interfere in the expression of mRNA by binding with its complementary base sequence in an mRNA (messenger RNA). This bond can either lead to the destruction of the mRNA or block translation.

A scientist proposes testing the hypothesis that Kitl is significant to coat coloration. To do this, the scientist plans to observe the outcome when an engineered double-stranded microRNA precursor is expressed in mouse embryos. One strand of the precursor would be complementary to Kitl mRNA.

In the given experiment, the Kitl gene (mouse equivalent of KITLG gene) and its core promoter were bonded together by genetic engineering. The amount of Kitl mRNA was measured in the skin after its introduction in the embryo of a mouse. The results are shown in the graph provided below.