In a series of experiments, the enzyme Dicer has been inactivated in cells from various vertebrates so that the centromere is abnormally formed from chromatin. Which of the following is most likely to occur?
A) The usual mRNAs transcribed from centromeric DNA will be missing from the cells.
B) Tetrads will no longer be able to form during meiosis I.
C) Centromeres will be euchromatic rather than heterochromatic and the cells will soon die in culture.
D) The cells will no longer be able to resist bacterial contamination.
E) The DNA of the centromeres will no longer be able to replicate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dicer is involved in the RNA interference pathway, which plays a role in the formation of heterochromatin, including that at the centromere. Inactivating Dicer could lead to the centromeres being euchromatic rather than heterochromatic, which could disrupt their normal function and potentially lead to cell death.

In a Series of Experiments, the Enzyme Dicer Has Been