Considering the Dumbo mutation in Problem 37, what kinds of additional evidence would help you determine whether Dumbo is a mutation of a regulatory sequence or of a protein-coding gene?

Key Concepts

Regulatory Sequences

Regulatory sequences are regions of DNA that control the expression of genes. They can include promoters, enhancers, and silencers, which interact with transcription factors to increase or decrease gene expression. Understanding whether the Dumbo mutation affects these sequences can help determine if it alters gene regulation rather than the protein product itself.

Protein-Coding Genes

Protein-coding genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for synthesizing proteins. Mutations in these genes can lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein, potentially affecting its function. Identifying whether the Dumbo mutation occurs within a protein-coding region is crucial for understanding its impact on phenotype.

Functional Evidence

Functional evidence refers to experimental data that demonstrate the effects of a mutation on gene expression or protein function. This can include assays like reporter gene studies, RNA sequencing, or protein assays. Gathering such evidence can clarify whether the Dumbo mutation influences regulatory mechanisms or directly alters protein coding.