Chapter 7, Problem 13P

Summary Introduction

To explain: The basis of observation and way to test the hypothesis for the insertion of β-galactosidase lacking its own transcription control inserted in a cluster of piRNA genes inhibits normal expression of gene elsewhere in the genome and when inserted outside the piRNA gene cluster, the normal gene is expressed properly.

Concept introduction: Piwi-interacting RNA or piRNA is a class of RNA that contains small non-coding sequences expressed in animal cells. They interact with piwi proteins and are involved in regulating the transposons and also regulate genetic elements during spermatogenesis. β-galactosidase cleaves β-galactosides to individual galactose monosaccharides.