In addition to maternal effect genes, paternal effect genes are important for fruit fly development. One such paternal effect gene codes for Sneaky, a protein required for breakdown of the fruit fly sperm plasma membrane that is a critical step for normal embryo development. Suppose that a female fruit fly's oocyte (egg) with a mutation in the bicoid gene is fertilized by a male fruit fly's sperm with a mutation in the Sneaky gene. Both mutations yield nonfunctional proteins. What would be the most likely outcome of this fertilization?
A) a normal embryo would develop
B) an embryo would not be able to develop
C) an embryo would develop with a normal posterior end and with posterior structures on the anterior end
D) an embryo would develop with a normal anterior end and with anterior structures on the anterior end

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bicoid gene is crucial for the anterior development of the embryo, and the Sneaky gene is necessary for the sperm plasma membrane breakdown, essential for fertilization and subsequent development. Mutations in both genes leading to nonfunctional proteins would prevent normal embryo development.

In Addition to Maternal Effect Genes, Paternal Effect Genes Are