You have carried out a genetic screen in a species of fish, and have identified a new gene in this organism. You have cloned and sequenced the gene, but do not know anything about the biochemical function of the gene product. Which of the following is the most sensible next step in order to get clues about the function?
A) Purifying the protein product and determining its structure by x-ray diffraction
B) Screening for small molecules that perturb gene function
C) Using the BLAST algorithm to scan sequence databases for similar sequences
D) Using MS/MS to sequence the gene product without the need for purification
E) Mutating the gene and performing reverse genetics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Searching a collection of known gene and protein sequences is typically done over the Internet using fast alignment algorithms such as BLAST. The clues generated from such searches typically help the investigator in future, direct experimental studies.

You Have Carried Out a Genetic Screen in a Species