Proteins that are synthesized in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells may be targeted to many places within the cell. How might you use rDNA methods to discern where the information is for the targeting of a particular protein?
A) Knock out the gene for the protein
B) Upregulate the gene for the protein
C) Express the protein in E. coli
D) Mutate the gene for the protein, transform the organism, and test the location of the protein in the transformants
E) Use RNAi technology

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

By mutating the gene for the protein and transforming the organism, we can test the location of the protein in the transformants. This method allows us to determine if a particular region of the gene is responsible for targeting the protein to a specific location. Knocking out or upregulating the gene may not provide information on the location of the protein, while expressing the protein in E. coli may not be a reliable method as the targeting mechanisms may be different in prokaryotes versus eukaryotes. RNAi technology may also be useful, but the specificity and efficiency of this method may vary depending on the gene and organism being studied.

Proteins That Are Synthesized in the Cytoplasm of Eukaryotic Cells