Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode with an adult body length of approximately 1 mm. It is a free-living organism that lives in temperate soil environments. It has played a major role as a model organism for research into molecular and developmental biology. This nematode lives for about 2-3 weeks and passes through four juvenile stages before reaching sexual maturity. It has six chromosomes and a transparent body that facilitates the study of cell differentiation and development. C. elegans has been used extensively in the study of aging. In these studies, scientists have discovered a gene called daf-2, which plays a significant role in controlling the aging process and longevity. In fertile nematodes where there is a mutation in the daf-2 gene, animals lived for almost twice as long as animals with the normal gene. The daf-2 gene produces molecules that play an important role in cell signaling pathways associated with growth and aging of individual cells. Reducing the activity of these molecules extends the life span of the whole animal. A mutation in the DNA of C. elegans will automatically lead to the production of a nonfunctioning protein.

Question

Caenorhabditis elegans is a nematode with an adult body length of approximately 1 mm. It is a free-living organism that lives in temperate soil environments. It has played a major role as a model organism for research into molecular and developmental biology. This nematode lives for about 2-3 weeks and passes through four juvenile stages before reaching sexual maturity. It has six chromosomes and a transparent body that facilitates the study of cell differentiation and development. C. elegans has been used extensively in the study of aging. In these studies, scientists have discovered a gene called daf-2, which plays a significant role in controlling the aging process and longevity. In fertile nematodes where there is a mutation in the daf-2 gene, animals lived for almost twice as long as animals with the normal gene. The daf-2 gene produces molecules that play an important role in cell signaling pathways associated with growth and aging of individual cells. Reducing the activity of these molecules extends the life span of the whole animal. A mutation in the DNA of C. elegans will automatically lead to the production of a nonfunctioning protein.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mutation in the DNA does not always lead to the production of a nonfunctioning protein. Some mutations can be silent, have minimal effects, or even enhance protein function, depending on the nature and location of the mutation.

Caenorhabditis Elegans Is a Nematode with an Adult Body Length