Question

"Sprouty" genes are known inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling. FGF10 mRNA expression occurs the developing tooth cusps of mice. A researcher want to know: What will happen to the tooth cusps if FGF signaling is increased in the tooth cusp progenitor cells? For this reason, they create a Sprouty2 "knockout" mouse that is missing both normal alleles for the Sprouty2 gene. What type of experiment is this? (Hint: Think about the researcher's QUESTION, not just what they DID).

a: Gain-of-function experiment
b: Loss-of-function experiment

Answer 1

This experiment is a gain-of-function experiment where FGF signaling is increased in tooth cusp progenitor cells by creating a Sprouty2 knockout mouse.

Step-by-step explanation:

This experiment is a gain-of-function experiment because the researcher wants to know what will happen if FGF signaling is increased in the tooth cusp progenitor cells. By creating a Sprouty2 knockout mouse and removing the inhibitory effect of Sprouty genes on FGF signaling, the researcher is aiming to increase the activity of FGF signaling in the tooth cusps. This change in gene expression is likely to have an impact on the development of tooth cusps.