Gene knockdown is a procedure used to reduce gene expression in cells or organisms so that scientists can investigate gene function. While there are several ways to knock down gene expression, RNAi is one of the most commonly used approaches. Suppose that a research team wants to investigate where a new gene X is expressed in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using RNAi, they obtained the results shown below examining the expression of gene X in four types of tissues.
-Which of the following physiological results would you possibly find in the Drosophila that underwent RNAi against gene X?
A) The flies would not be able to fly as well because their flight muscles have been affected.
B) The flies would not be able to see as well because their neurons have been affected.
C) The flies would not be able to digest food as well because their epithelial tissues have been affected.
D) The flies would not be able to produce collagen because their connective tissues have been affected.

Question

Gene knockdown is a procedure used to reduce gene expression in cells or organisms so that scientists can investigate gene function. While there are several ways to knock down gene expression, RNAi is one of the most commonly used approaches. Suppose that a research team wants to investigate where a new gene X is expressed in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Using RNAi, they obtained the results shown below examining the expression of gene X in four types of tissues.
-Which of the following physiological results would you possibly find in the Drosophila that underwent RNAi against gene X?
A) The flies would not be able to fly as well because their flight muscles have been affected. 
B) The flies would not be able to see as well because their neurons have been affected. 
C) The flies would not be able to digest food as well because their epithelial tissues have been affected. 
D) The flies would not be able to produce collagen because their connective tissues have been affected.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the information given in the paragraph, the research team investigated where gene X is expressed in the fruit fly using RNAi. RNAi reduces gene expression, so if gene X is involved in the function of neurons, the flies would not be able to see as well. However, there is no indication that gene X is involved in the function of flight muscles, epithelial tissues, or connective tissues, so choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

Gene Knockdown Is a Procedure Used to Reduce Gene Expression