Chapter 26, Problem 13EQ

Another way to study the role of proteins (e.g., transcription factors) that function in development is to microinject the mRNA that encodes a protein, or the purified protein itself, into an oocyte or embryo, and then determine how this affects the subsequent development of the embryo, larva, and adult. For example, if Bicoid protein is injected into the posterior region of an oocyte, the resulting embryo will develop into a larva that has anterior structures at both ends. Based on your understanding of the function of each developmental gene, what would be the predicted phenotype if the following proteins or mRNAs were injected into normal oocytes?

A. Nanos mRNA injected into the anterior end of an oocyte

B. Antp protein injected into the posterior end of an embryo

C. Toll mRNA injected into the dorsal side of an early embryo