Genetics: Analysis and Principles 5th Edition by Robert Brooker

Exercise 11

Let's suppose a person is homozygous for a mutation in the IRP gene that changed the structure of the iron regulatory protein in such a way that it could not bind iron, but it could still bind to IREs. How would this mutation affect the regulation of ferritin and transferrin receptor mRNAs Do you think such a person would need more iron in his or her diet than normal individuals Do you think that excess iron in the diet would be more toxic than it would be for normal individuals Explain your answer.