Essentials of Genetics (9th Edition) - Standalone book
Essentials of Genetics (9th Edition) - Standalone book
9th Edition
ISBN: 9780134047799
Author: William S. Klug, Michael R. Cummings, Charlotte A. Spencer, Michael A. Palladino
Publisher: PEARSON
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 20, Problem 1CS

CASE STUDY|One foot or another

In humans the HOXD homeotic gene cluster plays a critical role in limb development. In one large family, 16 of 36 members expressed one of two dominantly inherited malformations of the feet known as rocker bottom foot (CVT) or claw foot (CMT). One individual had one foot with CVT and the other with CMT. Genomic analysis identified a single missense mutation in the HOXD10 gene, resulting in a single amino acid substitution in the homeodomain of the encoded transcription factor. This region is crucial for making contact and binding to the target genes controlled by this protein. All family members with the foot malformations were heterozygotes; all unaffected members were homozygous for the normal allele.

Given that affected heterozygotes carry one normal allele of the HOXD10 gene, how might a dominant mutation in a gene encoding a transcription factor lead to a developmental malformation?

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

Case summary:

In this case16 of 36 members of a large family were found to have one of the two malformations of the feet called claw foot (CMT) or rocker bottom foot (CVT). Even one individual had both the affected foot, one with CVT and the other with CMT.

Characters in the case:

A family with varying foot malformations.

Adequate information:

HOXD homeotic gene cluster in humans is involved in limb development. A single missense mutationhas been recognized in the HOXD10 gene by genomic analysis. As a result, substitution of a single amino acid took place in the homeodomain of the encoded transcription factor. This region is important as it makes contact and binds to the target genes directed by this protein.

To determine:

A dominant mutation in a gene encoding a transcription factor lead to a developmental malformation.

Given information:

The affected heterozygotes carry one normal allele of the HOXD10 gene, while all unaffected members are homozygous and carry normal alleles.

Explanation of Solution

HOX gene cluster has a role in the development of limb and is responsible to give protein products that act as transcription factors. Four clusters of HOXD gene are present: HOXA, HOXC, HOXB, and HOXD. Thus, combination of 2 to 4 HOX genes form particular structures. Therefore, mutations in only one HOX gene do not result into complete transformation.

HOXD10 belongs to a cluster of HOXD genes located on chromosome 2. Mutations in this gene causes congenital vertical talus (rocker bottom foot or claw foot). A missense mutation was observed in HOXD10 gene, in which substitution of a single nucleotide in the dominant allele might result in a codon coding for different amino acid.

Despite of one normal allele, the person get disease as the mutated allele suppresses the expression of normal allele, leading to severe consequences. This results into the failure of the production of required transcription factor, due to which developmental malformation happened.

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that missense mutation in a gene that encodes for a transcription factorresults into developmental malformation, even if one normal allele is present.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
19. On the diagram below a. Label the three pictures as: DNA; polypeptide; or RNA. b. Label the arrows as: translation or transcription/RNA processing. c. Add the following details to the diagram. Promoter region TATA box Transcription start site Transcription terminator Intron (A,B,C,D) Exons (1,2,3,4,5) Splice sites 5' cap 5' UTR (untranslated region) 3' poly A tail 3' UTR (untranslated region) Translational start (AUG) Translational stop (UGA, UAG, or UAA) N and C ends of polypeptide 0000
Match the letter labels in the figure below to the terms. Some letter labels are not used. MNNNNNNIN M C B A M D F E H K G 8
The diagram below illustrates a quorum sensing pathway from Staphylococcus aureus. Please answer the following questions. 1. Autoinduction is part of the quorum sensing system. Which promoter (P2 or P3) is critical for autoinduction? 2)This staphylococcus aureus grows on human wounds, causing severe infections. You would like to start a clinical trial to treat these wound infections. Please describe: a) What molecule do you recommend for the trial. Why? b) Your trial requires that Staphylococcus aureus be isolated from the wound and submitted to genome sequencing before admittance. Why? What are you testing for?  3) If a mutation arises where the Promoter P3 is constitutively active, how would that influence sensitivity to AIP? Please explain your rationale. 4) This pathway is sensitive to bacterial cell density. Describe two separate mutation that would render the pathway active independent of cell density. Briefly explain your rationale. Mutation 1 Mutation 2
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Heredity: Principles and Issues (MindTap Co...
Biology
ISBN:9781305251052
Author:Michael Cummings
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781305073951
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life (MindTap...
Biology
ISBN:9781337408332
Author:Cecie Starr, Ralph Taggart, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Mitochondrial mutations; Author: Useful Genetics;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvgXe-3RJeU;License: CC-BY