Question

Some animals like C. elegans lack 5-methylcytosine but have methylated adenine. If methylated adenine replaces methylated cytosine's function:

a. DNA methylation remains unchanged.
b. Gene expression may be affected.
c. mRNA stability increases.
d. Protein translation decreases.

Answer 1

If methylated adenine replaces methylated cytosine's function, it can impact gene expression by decreasing gene expression. DNA methylation usually occurs at specific regions on the DNA molecule and leads to gene silencing.

Step-by-step explanation:

If methylated adenine replaces methylated cytosine's function, it can impact gene expression. DNA methylation usually occurs at specific regions on the DNA molecule called CpG islands. Methylation of cytosine residues in the promoter regions of genes can lead to gene silencing. Methylated genes are usually silenced, which means their expression is decreased. Therefore, the presence of methylated adenine in animals like C. elegans can affect gene expression.