A mutation in the cdc28 gene in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae causes cell-cycle arrest, giving rise to unbudded cells that look like "dumbbells." Treatment of wild-type cells with nocodazole, a drug that destabilizes some cytoskeletal polymers, leads to a similar phenotype. Based only on these observations, which statement is true regarding cdc28?
A) cdc28 codes for a master regulatory kinase that phosphorylates other proteins.
B) Nocodazole binds to the protein coded by the cdc28 gene.
C) The product of the cdc28 gene is responsible for resistance to nocodazole.
D) The product of the cdc28 gene is involved in cell cycle regulation.
E) The product of cdc28 destabilizes the same cytoskeletal polymers that nocodazole also destabilizes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic analysis of mutations can give clues about gene functions. For example, if a mutation causes cell-cycle arrest, the affected gene is interpreted to have a role in cell-cycle progression. However, this does not necessarily mean that its product physically interacts with (binds to) another cellular component that is also involved in this process.

A Mutation in the Cdc28 Gene in the Budding Yeast