You are a researcher studying the genetic basis of colon cancer. You have been working with a colon cancer cell line to determine the expression levels of different genes that might contribute to cancer formation. You obtain the DNA methylation status of five genes of interest (the data are shown in the table below). The plus (+) sign indicates the level of DNA methylation; more plus signs correlates with increased methylation levels. $$\begin{array} { | l r r | }
\hline \text { Gene } & \text { Methylation levels } & \
\hline 1 & + + \
\hline 2 & + + + + + \
\hline 3 & + + + \
4 & + + \
5 & +
\end{array}$$ Based on the information shown above, which gene would you predict to have the lowest rate of transcription?

Question

You are a researcher studying the genetic basis of colon cancer. You have been working with a colon cancer cell line to determine the expression levels of different genes that might contribute to cancer formation. You obtain the DNA methylation status of five genes of interest (the data are shown in the table below). The plus (+) sign indicates the level of DNA methylation; more plus signs correlates with increased methylation levels. $$\begin{array} { | l r r | } 
\hline \text { Gene } & \text { Methylation levels } & \
\hline 1 & + + \
\hline 2 & + + + + + \
\hline 3 & + + + \
4 & + + \
5 & +
\end{array}$$ Based on the information shown above, which gene would you predict to have the lowest rate of transcription?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

DNA methylation is often associated with gene silencing. Gene 2 has the highest level of DNA methylation, so it is likely to have the lowest rate of transcription.

You Are a Researcher Studying the Genetic Basis of Colon