In order to determine the probable function of a particular sequence of DNA in humans, what might be the most reasonable approach?
A) Prepare a knockout mouse without a copy of this sequence and examine the mouse phenotype.
B) Genetically engineer a mouse with a copy of this sequence and examine its phenotype.
C) Look for a reasonably identical sequence in another species, prepare a knockout of this sequence in that species, and look for the consequences.
D) Prepare a genetically engineered bacterial culture with the sequence inserted and assess which new protein is synthesized.
E) Mate two individuals heterozygous for the normal and mutated sequences.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Looking for a reasonably identical sequence in another species and preparing a knockout of this sequence in that species can help determine the function of the sequence in humans through comparative genomics. This approach can provide insights into the degree of evolutionary conservation of the sequence and its possible functions. Additionally, some species may be more amenable to genetic manipulation or have shorter generation times than humans, making the analysis easier and faster. A knockout mouse or genetically engineered mouse approach may be useful in some cases, but these approaches may not accurately reflect the function of the sequence in humans due to potential species differences in gene regulation and physiology. The bacterial culture approach is unlikely to be informative since bacterial gene regulation and post-translational modifications may differ significantly from those in humans. The approach of mating individuals heterozygous for the normal and mutated sequences can assess the impact of the sequence on phenotype but does not directly address the function of the sequence.

In Order to Determine the Probable Function of a Particular