You have set up a system of differential equations to describe the concentration of a protein as a function of time based on transcription, translation, and degradation rates. You simulate two conditions (1 and 2) that are identical except that the transcription rate for the protein is set tenfold higher in one of them (1) compared to the other (2). Starting from a concentration of zero, the time required to reach 50% of the final steady-state concentration is …
A) the same for conditions 1 and 2.
B) tenfold longer for 1 compared to 2.
C) tenfold longer for 2 compared to 1.
D) less than tenfold longer for 1 compared to 2.
E) less than tenfold longer for 2 compared to 1.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is not intuitive, but the time it takes for a protein to reach a desired fraction of its steady-state concentration (i.e. response time) is independent of its production rate. The steady-state concentration itself, however, does depend on all rates. Please refer to the equations in Figure 8-74.

You Have Set Up a System of Differential Equations to Describe